Towards implementation of sustainable development goals (SDG) in developing nations: A useful funding framework

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is impressive in its breadth. However, the extensive nature of the agenda presents countries with a set of challenges. In particular, few if any countries will be able to focus on all goals in parallel, yet the agenda offers little clear guidance on how each country can determine their priority areas of focus and funding arrangements for such priority areas. Presently, few efforts have been made to analyse and examine the significance or importance of each SDG goal and target for individual countries. More importantly, there is the challenge that governments would need to find the finances to fund the goals. Inevitably, politicians and policy makers in financially constrained countries are asking: what levers can we actually use to implement the SDGs efficiently and effectively? In this paper, we develop a simple framework that can help countries in leveraging existing budget resources to guide funding for the implementation of SDGs

Developing a framework to improve SME participation in public procurement : an investigation into NHS Trusts in the North West of England

The aim of this study is to develop a framework that can be adopted to help improve the participation of SMEs in public procurement. This research was carried out using a critical review of the relevant literature, analysis of data from a survey of SME owners/managers, development of a framework through the constructive research approach, a preliminary validation process and finally, the modification of the framework. First, six key policy measures being adopted to facilitate SMEs in public procurement in the UK were identified from the literature and then evaluated through a cross-sectional survey amongst SMEs competing for public contracts within National Health Service (NHS) trusts across the North West of England. The findings suggest that most SMEs have awareness and a marginally positive attitude towards policy measures, but evidence from the study also indicates that SME participation in public procurement is far from improving. Furthermore, the research discovered some issues and concerns raised by SMEs about the policy measures, which have been addressed and considered towards the development of the proposed framework to improve SME participation in public procurement. Therefore, it is concluded from the findings of this research that, while the policy measures being implemented in the UK are necessary, they do exhibit some limitation, which makes them inadequate to effectively address the issues of SMEs under-representation in public procurement markets. Consequently, a framework was developed based on data collected from the survey and findings from the literature review, to provide broader view of the approaches that might help to improve the participation of SMEs in public procurement. The proposed framework contends that collective actions from diverse stakeholders such as the government, public buyers, policy makers, large business and small businesses themselves, are needed to improve SME participation. Finally, the proposed framework has been tested (preliminarily) through a focus group discussion and found to be feasible and useful. Key words: Public procurement, SME participation, policy support measures, United Kingdom

Online Innovation Intermediaries In Healthcare

In today’s knowledge rich environment even the largest organisations, such as pharmaceutical or medical technology companies, realize a bottleneck of knowledge resources for innovation. Harnessing the innovation potential of patients and other healthcare consumers contends to be part of the solution. This paper questions if online health platforms can support innovative activities by creating and transferring relevant knowledge from engaged healthcare consumers towards innovating healthcare companies. It aims at identifying online health platforms that can serve as innovation intermediaries. An exploratory, case-study-based approach is chosen. Through desk review a sample of online health platforms is created and case vignettes are developed. Content analysis returns descriptive attributes which are examined throughout the sample. 30 out of 306 health-related online platforms qualify as innovation intermediary. We observe that online innovation intermediaries look for profound experience from healthcare consumers, in particular patients with a higher degree of affectedness. Further qualitative findings are presented. This paper puts emphasis on the mediating role of selected online health platforms as advocates of innovation. It suggests a classification and description of the variety of “health 2.0” platforms and sketches a preliminary picture of the market for online innovation intermediaries in healthcare toda

Purchasing and Supply Management Practices in Corporate Nigeria: An investigation into the Financial Services Industry

In view of the rising demand for effective control over spends on goods, services, contracts, and acquisition processes, originations need to adopt strategic purchasing practices. This paper explores purchasing and supply management practices in the Nigerian financial services industry. The study is based on a literature review and a questionnaire survey among senior management employees from various financial services firms in Nigeria. The respondents were randomly sampled from insurance, banks, investment firms, mortgage firms and pension management companies in Nigeria. The findings show that practices relating to marketing, financial and customer management are given higher priority than purchasing and supply management activities. The research reveals that purchasing and supply activities in the Nigerian financial services industry are not strategic but mostly transactional. While there are well-known purchasing departments in the firms industry, purchasing related tasks are currently handled but non-procurement professionals. Furthermore, the level of supplier development practices in the financial service industry is developing but not advanced. The findings will support a better understanding of purchasing and supply management practices from the financial services perspectives. This paper provides reliable baseline data for future research into the strategic role of purchasing and supply management in corporate organisations in developing countries

Evaluation of social impact measurement tools and techniques: A systematic review of the literature

Despite the availability of metrics for measuring social impact, it can be difficult for organisations to select tools that fit their precise needs. To address this challenge, this study conducts a systematic literature review using legitimacy theory as a point of departure. It examines tools that capture three dimensions of sustainability – social, economic and environmental – and firm size. We searched the top four journal databases in the social sciences from the FT50 review to identify articles published in peer-reviewed journals in the 2009–2019 period, using keywords to conceptualise the construct. For a comprehensive assessment, we adopted a method that requires the logic synthesis of concepts and evidence emerging from the literature to address the research aim. The results show that most of the articles developed tools or frameworks to measure social impact based on the triple bottom line of sustainability – social, economic and environmental – and firm size. However, there is insufficient evidence of their integration into practice. Research implications: This work contributes to the legitimisation of social enterprises using validated tools and frameworks to develop practical suggestions for social impact measurement. Since legitimacy is an important rationale for social impact measurement, this study adds value through the development of a suitability framework. The framework enables social enterprises to identify the most appropriate tool for their purpose and size to establish legitimacy through impact measurement and reporting

The Effects of Supply Chain Finance on Organizational Performance: A Moderated and Mediated Model

Abstract Purpose- This paper draws on the dynamic capabilities approach, and aims to empirically investigate the impact of supply chain finance (SCF) on firm performance (e.g. operational risk and operational performance), the critical effect of environmental dynamism (ED) as moderator and supply chain risk (SCR) and a mediator in the relationship between SCF and OP. Design/methodology/approach –This study is based on empirical data collected from a survey of 210 companies and their supply chains in mainland China. Structural equation modeling is used to test our proposed relationships. Findings – The findings show that SCF significantly mitigates the SCR, which subsequently has a significant positive effect on organizational performance (e.g., cost performance and operational performance). The findings also show that when environmental dynamism (ED) is high, the relationship between SCF and SCR is stronger and vice versa. Moreover, supply chain risk (SCR) mediates the relationship between supply chain finance (SCF) and organizational performance (OP). Hypothesis regarding the moderating effect of environmental dynamism (ED) on the paths joining supply chain finance (SCF) and supply chain risk (SCR) was also supported. Supply chain risk (SCR) has a significant negative effect on organizational performance (OP). However, hypothesis regarding the effect of environmental dynamism (ED) on supply chain risk (SCR) was not supported. Research limitations/implications- This study has some limitations. First, we conducted our research with Chinese organizations. This may result in low generalizability in other contexts. In addition, we employed survey method and cross-sectional data design in this study, which may generate the potential issue of common method bias (CMB). However, the findings of this study will help organizations across China and other emerging economies to adopt SCF as a secure financing mechanism to enhance working capital and mitigate risk. In addition, our paper provides some new managerial insights for decision makers in organizations, while exploring different factors such as supply chain finance (SCF), supply chain risk (SCR), and environmental dynamism (ED), and their effect on organizational. Originality/value- This study has greatly developed a general SCF adoption model that helps to guide empirical research investigating the critical impact of SCF on firm performance

The cultural dimensions in Supply Chain Management research: A state of the art review and research agenda

Abstract Purpose –This paper reviews how current SCM research addresses cultural issues, presents a critical assessment of literature, and discusses future research avenues.Design/methodology/approach – The literature is reviewed using systematic literature review (SLR), bibliometric citation analysis (BCA) and content analysis. 280 relevant papers published between 1995 and 2019 were identified in ISI Web of Science’s database. Findings – Descriptive data is presented on chronological evolution of literature, geographical location, influential papers, and methodology. Four main research areas were categorized, namely: (i) papers on SC integration and performance; (ii) research on continuous improvement and lean initiatives; (iii) studies on the role of culture in sustainability, CSR and green practices; and (iv) studies on emerging topics of research. Most studies focused on organizational culture frameworks, adopted a static approach to culture, and targeted mainly developed countries and Asian emerging countries. A research agenda is suggested based on a multilevel cultural framework including operational and SCM culture. Implications – Practitioners and researchers will gain a greater understanding of how cultural issues have been addressed in current literature. A multilevel framework is suggested as well as “operational” and “SCM cultures” concepts to address some of the issues identified in current literature. Originality/value – This study is one of the first literature reviews considering both national and organizational culture dimensions in SCM research. Keywords – Cultural dimensions, national culture, organizational culture, Supply Chain Management, Systematic literature review, Bibliometric citation analysis

Towards responsible conflict minerals supply chain management: A systematic literature review and a supply chain governance framework

Abstract Purpose –Literature on conflict minerals supply chain management issues has witnessed a significant surge during the last decade. The authors review how CM research addressed supply chain issues over the last decades and present a critical assessment of such literature based on supply chain governance theory. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review approach was adopted and a sample of 122 papers was identified in relevant journals. A descriptive, thematic and content analysis of the papers is presented to delineate the structure and the main research clusters of the literature. Findings – The authors provide a comprehensive assessment of CMSC literature and identify four main research clusters. Most research has focused on operational practices and adopted a fragmented approach to CMSC issues. Accordingly, the authors provide research propositions related to under-explored aspects in extant literature. Implications – This study has a number of implications. Practitioners and researchers will gain a greater understanding of specific CMSC issues have been addressed in current literature, and how responsible CMSC actions can be implemented. Originality/value – This study is one of the first literature reviews of publications on CMSC from a supply chain governance perspective. This review presents an overarching map of CMSC literature and a series of propositions to inform future research. Keywords –conflict minerals, literature review, supply chain due diligence, responsible supply chain management, supply chain governance, conflict resources

Factors affecting the selection of effective cost control techniques in the UK construction industry

Purpose - This paper aims to identify and analyse the factors affecting the selection of effective cost control techniques in the UK construction industry and assess their importance. The study examines these key areas; (i) the factors that have significant impacts on cost overruns, (ii) the most effective cost control techniques, and (iii) the factors for selecting cost control techniques for a project. Design/methodology/approach - The study relies on a mixed-method research approach; a qualitative exploration of the most effective cost control techniques and the factors affecting the selection of cost control techniques, followed by a questionnaire survey and follow-up interviews. Relative Importance Index (RII) is used for ranking the factors. Research limitations/implications - Although the scope of the study was limited to the UK construction industry, the results could be interpreted for critical learning in other developed/developing countries. Findings - Budgeting technique is ranked first with-0.821RII, followed by cost forecasting-0.800RII and cashflow monitoring-00.733RII, as the most effective cost control techniques. On factors that influenced the choice of the techniques used, cost information/cost-related factors is ranked first with-0.611RII, followed by the size of the company-0.509RII and the effectiveness of the technique-0.572RII. Originality/value – Identifying and ranking the factors affecting the selection of effective cost control techniques in the UK construction industry has been the focal point of this study. The study also proposes a simple but effective model which can be used for critical learning on mitigating cost overruns and the effective use of cost control techniques in the construction industry