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

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

SME’s disinclination towards subcontracting in the public sector markets : an attributional perspective

Purpose - This study aims to examine the causes of SME’ disinclination towards subcontracting in public sector markets. Previous studies have revealed that UK SMEs are reluctant to do business with the public sector through the subcontracting route, but the reasons for this lack of enthusiasm have not been widely researched. Design/methodology/approach- Drawing on semi-structured interviews with SMEs competing for public contracts in North West England, a qualitative study was performed, from which several themes emerged. Findings- The findings were synthesised into a framework underpinned by attribution theory, to portray situationally and dispositionally caused factors which were used to interpret SMEs behaviour. Originality- The paper contributes in a unique way to an emerging discourse on how subcontracting can facilitate the access of SMEs to government procurement spending. It adds to knowledge regarding the explanatory power of attribution theory– from its base in social psychology

Environmentalism in the EU-28 context: the impact of governance quality on environmental energy efficiency

Environmental policies are a significant cornerstone of a developed economy, but the question that arises is whether such policies lead to a sustainable growth path. It is clear that the energy sector plays a pivotal role in environmental policies, and although the current literature has focused on examining the link between energy consumption and economic growth through an abundance of studies, it does not explicitly consider the role of institutional or governance quality variables in the process. Both globalization and democracy are important drivers of sustainability, while environmentalism is essential for the objective of gaining a “better world.” Governance quality is expected to be the key, not only for economic purposes but also for the efficiency of environmental policies. To that end, the analysis in this paper explores the link between governance quality and energy efficiency for the EU-28 countries, spanning the period 1995 to 2014. The findings document that there is a nexus between energy efficiency and income they move together: the most efficient countries are in the group with higher GDP per capita. Furthermore, the results show that governance quality is an important driver of energy efficiency and, hence, of environmental policies.University of Granad

SME’s disinclination towards subcontracting in the public sector markets: an attributional perspective

Purpose: This study aims to examine the causes of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) disinclination towards subcontracting in public sector markets. Previous studies have revealed that UK SMEs are reluctant to do business with the public sector through the subcontracting route, but the reasons for this lack of enthusiasm have not been widely researched. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on semi-structured interviews with SMEs competing for public contracts in North West England, a qualitative study was performed, from which several themes emerged. Findings: The findings were synthesised into a framework underpinned by attribution theory, to portray situationally and dispositionally caused factors that were used to interpret SMEs’ behaviour. Social implications: The findings can guide policy development and government interventions in developed and developing countries, aimed at using public procurement as a policy tool to develop the small business sector. Originality/value: This paper contributes in a unique way to an emerging discourse on how subcontracting can facilitate the access of SMEs to government procurement spending. It adds to knowledge regarding the explanatory power of attribution theory – from its base in social psychology