Supply chain quality management : an implementation framework

Abstract: While firms across the globe compete by developing efficient and effective supply chains, it has been a daunting task integrating quality management practices in their supply chains. Researchers have made an attempt to develop conceptual models for integrating supply chain management and quality management. However, little is known about implementation of the supply chain management-quality management (SCM-QM) integration models in firms. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the concepts of SCM and QM and propose a SCM-QM implementation framework. An extensive review of relevant literature helped to identify the dimensions of SCM and QM and those common to both. SCM-QM integration can be achieved following an agreed SCM quality standard by suppliers, internally and customers. In addition, successful implementation of the SCM-QM framework can be operationalized through procurement, internal logistics and physical distribution. The findings extend the literature on theoretical models of SCM-QM integration by providing an implementation framework. The knowledge is likely to inform regulatory agencies as well as business managers on appropriate SCM-QM implementation to attain improved quality of delivered products and services across supply chains

Logistics outsourcing and performance of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises in Nairobi

Abstract: Logistics outsourcing has been accepted as a strategy through which small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can access the logistics capabilities they lack internally at a lower cost. However, the actual effect of logistics outsourcing on firm performance, especially among the SMEs in Nairobi, remains unknown. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between logistics outsourcing and firm performance of manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi. Setting: The study sampled manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi City County. Method: In this study, a convergent parallel mixed methods design was applied. Survey data were collected from 163 manufacturing SMEs. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling to test the relationship between logistics outsourcing and firm performance. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted in five manufacturing SMEs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview data to provide more insight in the quantitative data..

The extent of logistics outsourcing among small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Nairobi

Abstract: Background: Small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (manufacturing SMEs) can facilitate economic growth and development by creating employment and spurring economic activities at low levels of the economy. The performance of SMEs in Kenya has, however, been poor, despite their significance. This poor performance is attributed to the high costs of logistics operations in the country. Manufacturing SMEs can, however, improve the performance of their logistics operations by adopting appropriate logistics outsourcing strategies. Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the extent of logistics outsourcing among manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi. Setting: Manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi operate from the industrial zones of the Nairobi City County. The enterprises’ logistics operations are characterised by long cycle times, high transportation costs and limited resources. The high operational costs experienced by the SMEs threaten their survival, and they are therefore required, among other things, to manage their logistics more efficiently to improve overall performance. .

Skills frameworks : a focus on supply chains

Abstract: Background: Supply chain management (SCM) has grown considerably, owing largely to globalisation, advancements in technology and its pivotal role in meeting the dynamic needs of customers. As supply chains (SCs) expand, complexity also increases, as does the associated demand for well-skilled SC professionals. To achieve the expected SCM skills in organisations, a skills framework is likely to guide managers and practitioners. Unfortunately, research on SCM skills frameworks is fragmented, providing little or no guidance to practitioners. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to document the SC skills described in the literature, identify existing frameworks and propose a framework to guide practitioners and academics. Method: A systematic literature review design was followed. The data obtained were analysed using content analysis. Results: About 270 SCM skills were identified. The skills were grouped using many SC skills frameworks, including business logistics management, T-shaped, expertise level, SCM skills and hard and soft skills. The proposed skills framework included skills related to business, logistics, management, and ethics and environment. Emerging skills such as the application of blockchain technology, big data and SC sustainability have been included in the framework. Conclusion: The proposed framework provides a guide to SC managers about which skills groups to focus on and advises a contingency-based approach to identify the relevant skills per group in line with organisational requirements

Determinants of logistics outsourcing performance among small and medium enterprises

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to establish determinants of logistics outsourcing performance and their relationship with logistics performance among manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The increasing use and challenge of logistics outsourcing require that SMEs establish relationship factors that determine high outsourcing performance to enhance overall logistics performance. Data was collected from 406 SMEs using a structured questionnaire. Factor analysis was applied and four constructs were extracted; three were found to be determinants. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was performed to determine the associations among the constructs. Communication-trust, innovation and cooperation between the manufacturing SMEs and logistics service providers were identified as key determinants of logistics outsourcing performance. Strong associations were validated between communication-trust, innovation and cooperation. Only communication-trust was positively associated with logistics performance. The results guide SME managers to promote communication-trust in logistics outsourcing relationships

Effect of internet of things on road freight industry

Abstract: Background: Evolution in global supply chain has created numerous complexities especially in the transportation of freight. Some of the complexities include ever increasing operational cost, long lead-times, limited end-to-end visibility and raw material supply disruptions because of adverse weather conditions. To improve processes and keep abreast of competition, it is vital for businesses to leverage their operations on current technologies. Internet of things (IoT) technology is one of the innovative technologies that can bring about radical transformations to freight transportation. Despite the promising capabilities of IoT, research on its application and effect on road freight sector in developing economies is scanty. Objectives: The purpose of this article is to establish the likely effect of IoT on the road freight sector. This article identifies IoT technologies used in road freight and establishes the relationship between the drivers and benefits of implementing IoT technologies. Method: Structured questionnaires were sent to employees working within the road freight industry within South Africa. The data were subjected to factor analysis for dimension reduction. Regression analysis helped to establish the relationship between drivers and benefits of IoT. Results: The benefits of IoT were operational effectiveness and improved decision making. The drivers of implementing IoT were identified as asset visibility and the need for real-time information sharing. The main effect of IoT on road freight sector is increased asset visibility. The challenges impeding implementation of IoT include high cost of installation, skills gap, fear of hacking and cyberattacks. Conclusion: Road freight transport managers are advised that IoT can be a strategic tool that uses smart sensor technologies that provide visibility of assets to reduce operational costs and improve decision making. The article contributes to logistics management literature by enumerating the IoT technologies used in the road freight sector in South Africa. It also highlights that IoT provides end-to-end visibility resulting in improved decision-making for optimal operations

Investigating the quality of university education : a focus on supply chain management

Abstract: While the quality of higher education has received attention from researchers globally, its focus has been mainly on universities in ‘developed country’ contexts. There has been limited research on the quality of higher education in African universities, and even less that has focused on the discipline of supply chain management. In this paper, the quality of supply chain education of five universities in Kenya is investigated using a SERVPERF model. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 781 students enrolled for a supply chain management qualification. The data were analysed through confirmatory factor analysis and one-way analysis of variance. The findings are fourfold: (1) the service quality of supply chain education is at medium level in terms of the SERVPERF metrics; (2) four dimensions were identified by students as the most important aspects of service quality: course-centeredness, academic and support staff helpfulness, service excellence and learning facilities; (3) a four-factor SERVPERF model of supply chain service quality is developed and (4) service quality was significantly different across the selected universities. Although the service quality was rated at a medium level overall, the variability in quality across universities should alert educators and management to the need for a coordinated effort to improve particular aspects of students’ learning experiences. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by establishing that SERVPERF is a four-factor model in the higher education sector

Big Data Analytics in Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A Focus on Manufacturing Supply Chains

Sustainable supply chain management has been an important research issue for the last two decades due to climate change. From a global perspective, the United Nations have introduced sustainable development goals, which point towards sustainability. Manufacturing supply chains are among those that produce harmful effluents into the environment in addition to social issues that impact societies and economies where they operate. New developments in information and communication technologies, especially big data analytics (BDA), can help create new insights that can detect parts and members of a supply chain whose activities are unsustainable and take corrective action. While many studies have addressed sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), studies on the effect of BDA on SSCM in the context of manufacturing supply chains are limited. This conceptual paper applies Toulmin’s argumentation model to review relevant literature and draw conclusions. The study identifies the elements of big data analytics as data processing, analytics, reporting, integration, security and economic. The aspects of sustainable SCM are transparency, sustainability culture, corporate goals and risk management. It is established that BDA enhances SSCM of manufacturing supply chains. Cyberattacks and information technology skills gap are some of the challenges impeding BDA implementation. The paper makes a conceptual and methodological contribution to supply chain management literature by linking big data analytics and SSCM in manufacturing supply chains by using the rarely used Toulmin’s argumentation model in management studies

Current and Future Trends of Information Technology and Sustainability in Logistics Outsourcing

Sustainability awareness across various economic sectors requires firms to use logistics outsourcing to reduce logistics-related emissions with compliant logistics service providers (LSPs). LSPs apply advanced information technologies to help achieve high efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability goals. While logistics outsourcing has received considerable attention from researchers, limited research has identified the elements of logistics outsourcing and established research trends regarding technology and sustainability aspects of logistics outsourcing. This study aims to establish trends in technology and sustainability in logistics outsourcing and identify the important elements of logistics outsourcing. A bibliometric analysis technique using the Biblioshiny package in R. A SCOPUS search resulted in 2019 documents. Research on technology and sustainability in logistics outsourcing is growing, especially in developed countries, with little or no research from developing countries. Sustainable supply chains and third-party logistics themes dominated the past research. Current research is on reverse logistics, circular economy, and green logistics; the latter is likely to dominate the future, focusing on risk management, pollution control, and innovation through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data. Essential elements of logistics outsourcing are identified as maintaining a good relationship based on trust and cooperation, LSP multi-selection criteria that include sustainability and technology capabilities, proper contract management, and an appropriate in-house versus outsourcing balance for competitiveness. LSP managers are advised to develop sustainability and technology capabilities, including reverse logistics. The paper contributes to logistics management theory by identifying the elements of logistics outsourcing and presenting a bibliometric result to guide future research on sustainability and technology capabilities in logistics outsourcing

Logistics outsourcing and performance of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Nairobi

Ph.D. (Logistics Management)Abstract: Small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (also known as manufacturing SMEs) make a significant contribution to developing countries’ economic growth and development. Not only do manufacturing SMEs assist their countries’ industrialisation efforts, they also provide employment to large numbers of people, thereby helping to alleviate poverty. It is therefore unfortunate that, despite the pivotal role that it could be playing, Kenya’s manufacturing SME sector has put in a dismal performance over the years. This is partly attributable to SMEs’ logistics resource limitations and management shortcomings. In this thesis, it is hypothesised that the logistics function can be run efficiently and effectively through logistics outsourcing, which in turn can improve overall firm performance. To this end, the relationship between logistics outsourcing and the performance of manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi is investigated. Prior research has produced mixed results regarding the influence of logistics outsourcing on firm performance, with some authors claiming a positive effect and others claiming a neutral or negative effect. In this study, the relationship between these two phenomena was investigated using a mixed methods research design. The specific research questions, which focused on manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi, sought to determine (1) the extent to which logistics outsourcing had been adopted by the SMEs in question, (2) the nature of the relationship between logistics outsourcing and the SMEs’ performance, (3) the determinants of logistics outsourcing performance among the SMEs, and (4) how logistics outsourcing influenced the SMEs’ logistics performance. The findings revealed a high extent of logistics outsourcing among manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi, with the majority being light outsourcers. Among the study’s conclusions were that logistics outsourcing has a positive, indirect influence on the performance of manufacturing SMEs, with logistics outsourcing performance being a mediating variable. When embarking on a logistics outsourcing strategy, SMEs should concentrate on nurturing strong relationships with their logistics service providers by establishing strong communication links, maintaining high levels of trust and cooperation, negotiating ‘win-win’ contracts and helping the service providers to be innovative in their service offerings. At the same time, SMEs should retain some logistics capabilities in-house in order to coordinate and control the outsourced activities. This study is poised to make a valuable contribution to the literature on logistics management by presenting a logistics outsourcing critical path model aimed at manufacturing SMEs. This model will be a particularly useful guide for owners/managers of manufacturing SMEs who are looking to improve their enterprises’ performance by adopting a logistics outsourcing strategy