A Big Data-Driven Knowledge Framework for Supply Chain Risk Prediction and Performance Optimization in Multinational Corporations

Agriculture, food and global value chains: issues, methods and challenges

The global supply chains for different products, due to the increasing complexity, have nowadays exposed their vulnerability to countless disruptions, including natural disasters, pandemics, geopolitical tensions and trade wars. This review paper critically studies 17 scholarly publications focusing on global supply chains, especially around key products such as seafood, lithium, steel, energy, pharmaceuticals, agrifood, and others. The review identifies the major parties involved in the supply chains and significant business impacts, outlines obstacles and challenges, and explores the role of geopolitical tensions. The review finds geopolitical tensions have become the dominant challenge, along with technological and market forces which may restructure global logistics, trade dependencies, and risk strategies. It also finds some strategic initiatives taken by the practical world for these issues. It aims for a detailed exploration on recent geopolitical tensions as one of the most affecting supply chain disruptions under one umbrella rather than what is stated in the previous studies. Finally, some recommendations have been provided to cope with this disruption such as sourcing strategies, resiliency, visibility and digitization.

This study clarifies the impact of global supply chain risks on global logistics companies, with a focus on the potential implications for sustainable supply chain management. The study employs the vector auto-regression model to examine the relationship between the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index (GSCPI) and the stock prices of global logistics companies, yielding the following results. First, the GSCPI does not have a statistically significant effect on most global logistics firms, except for shipping companies, which tend to be negatively impacted by supply chain disruptions. The t-statistics of the GSCPI on air cargo, integrated logistics, and pipeline companies were below the threshold of 1.291, corresponding to a 90% confidence level, which indicates that these results were not statistically significant. Therefore, logistics companies should prioritize the development of resilient and sustainable supply chain strategies incorporating alternative energy sources, such as liquefied hydrogen, ammonia, green methanol, and liquefied natural gas, to enhance their ability to respond to unexpected situations. Second, contrary to other logistics sectors, shipping enterprises have been positively impacted by the GSCPI, suggesting that they may find new opportunities during periods of global instability. By adopting eco-friendly fuel alternatives and green technologies, shipping companies can capitalize on these opportunities and contribute to the global transition toward sustainable logistics practices. These findings suggest that global logistics companies, including pipeline, air cargo, and integrated logistics companies, should develop resilient global supply chain management strategies that incorporate supply chain platforms, nearshoring, and import diversification. This study offers important implications for entrepreneurs and policymakers, emphasizing the role of sustainable energy solutions in stabilizing global supply chains.

Contents: Introduction, James Wang, Daniel Olivier, Theo Notteboom and Brian Slack. Part 1 Conceptualization of Port-Cities and Global Supply Chains: Supply chain and supply chain management: appropriate concepts for maritime studies, Valentina Carbone and Elisabeth Gouvernal Global supply chain integration and competitiveness of port terminals, Photis M. Panayides The terminalisation of seaports, Brian Slack Re-assessing port-hinterland relationships in the context of global supply chains, Theo Notteboom and Jean-Paul Rodrigue. Part 2 Shipping Networks and Port Development: The development of global container transhipment terminals, Alfred J. Baird Mediterranean ports in the global network: how to make the hub and spoke paradigm sustainable?, Enrico Musso and Francesco Parola Northern European range: shipping line concentration and port hierarchy, Antoine Fremont and Martin Soppe Factors influencing the landward movement of containers: the cases of Halifax and Vancouver, Robert J. McCalla. Part 3 Inserting Port-Cities into Global Supply Chains: Globalization and the port-urban interface: conflicts and opportunities, Yehuda Hayuth A metageography of port-city relationships, Cesar Ducruet Chinese port-cities in the global supply chains, James Wang and Daniel Olivier The economic performance of seaport regions, Peter W. De Langen. Part 4 Corporate Perspectives on the Insertion of Ports in Global Supply Chains: The success of Asian container port operators: the role of information technology, Daniel Olivier and Francesco Parola Which link in which chain? Inserting Durban into global automotive supply chains, Peter V. Hall and Glen Robbins Sustainable development and corporate strategies of the maritime industry, Claude Comtois and Brian Slack References Index.

Chapter 6 introduces concepts of global business process, business process design, business process reengineering, and business process management, to present a process-based view of global operation strategy and to introduce the primary processes of global operation strategy. First, we discuss global supply chain strategy, including its concepts, global sourcing strategy, global internal supply chain strategy, global distribution strategy, global supply chain coordination, global supply chain strategic alliances, and global sustainable supply chain strategy. Second, we introduce concepts of global revenue management strategy, present its globally evolving process, and discuss strategies for global revenue management. Third, we discuss global technology strategy, including its concepts, global product development strategy, R&D internationalization modes, global R&D coordination and communication, global R&D sourcing strategy, and technology strategies for global sustainable operations. Finally, we discuss global risk management strategy, including its concepts, basic operational strategies, basic approaches and the operational risk management framework. In this chapter, we use case examples including Etam Distribution Center, Global Supply Chain of H&M, SkyTeam Alliance, Microsoft Research Worldwide, Mattel’s Global Risks and Supply Chains, and a case Tiffany to illustrate process-based fundamentals.KeywordsSupply ChainBusiness Process ManagementGlobal Supply ChainRevenue ManagementBullwhip EffectThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

The goal of this paper is twofold: to comparatively analyze the social performance of global and local berry supply chains and to explore the ways in which the social dimension is embedded in the overall performance of food supply chains. To achieve this goal, the social performance of five global and local food supply chains in two countries are analyzed: wild blueberry supply chains in Latvia and cultivated raspberry supply chains in Serbia. The study addresses two research questions: (1) What is the social performance of the local and global supply chains? (2) How can references to context help improve understanding of the social dimension and social performance of food supply chains? To answer these questions, two interlinked thematic sets of indicators (attributes) are used—one describing labor relations and the other describing power relations. These lists are then contextualized by examining the micro-stories of the actors involved in these supply chains. An analysis of the chosen attributes reveals that global chains perform better than local chains. However, a context-sensitive analysis from the perspective of embedded markets and communities suggests that the social performance of food chains is highly context-dependent, relational, and affected by actors’ abilities to negotiate values, norms, and the rules embedded within these chains, both global and local. The results illustrate that the empowerment of the chains’ weakest actors can lead to a redefining of the meanings that performance assessments rely on.

In recent years, global supply chains have undergone significant restructuring as geopolitical tensions increasingly influence economic decision-making. The traditional model of globalization, which emphasized efficiency, cost minimization, and extensive cross-border integration, has been challenged by a series of disruptions including trade wars, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic sanctions, and heightened national security concerns. These events exposed the vulnerabilities of highly concentrated and geographically dispersed supply chains, prompting governments and multinational corporations to reassess their dependence on politically sensitive regions. Within this context, the concept of friendshoring has emerged as a strategic approach to supply chain management. Friendshoring refers to the practice of relocating or diversifying supply chains toward politically aligned and trusted nations in order to reduce geopolitical risk and enhance resilience. This paper critically examines how friendshoring is reshaping global supply chains by analyzing its conceptual foundations, key drivers, mechanisms, and economic and strategic impacts. Drawing on existing scholarly literature, policy reports, and comparative case studies, the paper explores the role of geopolitical rivalry, economic resilience, security considerations, technological advancements, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in accelerating the adoption of friendshoring strategies. The study further evaluates the implications of friendshoring for global trade flows, global value chain structures, and business costs, while highlighting both opportunities and challenges for emerging economies. Through case studies involving the United States, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Vietnam, the paper demonstrates that friendshoring represents a long-term structural shift rather than a temporary response to recent crises. Ultimately, the paper argues that friendshoring signals a transformation of globalization toward more resilient, regionally anchored, and strategically aligned supply chain networks.

This article seeks answers to the question: how does geopolitical rivalry over strategically important industries impact the design of global supply chains? To answer this question, we examine how high technology firms responded to the United States (US) and Chinese government policies related to protecting national technological competitiveness. The study pays particular attention to how high technology firms moved sources of supply and production sites in response to protectionist government policies, and the new supply chain designs that emerged. The research question is examined through the lens of Resource Dependence, Resource Orchestration and Institutional Theory. A comparative case study design is used to contrast how high technology firms in the semiconductor and rare earth industries have responded to a technological rivalry between the US and China. Twenty-three interviews were conducted with senior managers and supply chain executives working at 13 semiconductors and eight rare earth metals companies, all of which had operations in the USA, China, or both. The comparative case analysis provides insights into the different actions that companies take to reconfigure their supply chains in response to geopolitical tensions. The study’s findings inform Geopolitical Resource Orchestration and Proactive Disruption Risk Mitigation frameworks, which outline potential mitigation measures that companies and policymakers can take to alleviate the impact of geopolitical tensions on global supply chains.

Climate change induced extreme precipitation poses a significant threat to agricultural production. Such impacts extend beyond local agricultural production regions, generating remote and cross-sector impacts that disrupt global supply chains (GSCs). While the direct impacts of extreme precipitation on agricultural production have been widely studied, how such local impacts cascade through supply chain networks to remote places remains elusive, partly because of the complex interdependencies within the global trade systems. To address this, we propose a Resilience Enhancement in Supply Chains Under Environmental Shocks (RESCUES) framework. RESCUES couples an agricultural production loss model with a dynamic recursive economic network model. It allows us to identify channels through which the impacts of climate change on agricultural production propagate along GSCs to interconnected sectors and regions. We design nine climate shock scenarios (i.e., dry, wet, and compound precipitation anomalies with extreme, severe, and moderate levels of severity) using the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) scenarios (SSP126 and SSP585). We then use RESCUES to simulate the GSCs dynamics over 2016-2050 under these nine scenarios. We find that direct agricultural losses driven by local precipitation anomalies can spread through GSCs to a wider range of countries and regions across the globe, creating large spatial spillover effects with direct and indirect economic losses. We estimate that the averaged per event total value-added (VA) losses caused by compound extremes is around $20.4/22.6 billion under SSP126/585, followed by dry extremes ($16.4/15.0 billion) and wet extremes ($8.7/11.6 billion). Moreover, the global distribution of direct and indirect losses exhibits high spatial heterogeneity. Countries with large agricultural outputs tend to have both high direct and indirect VA losses, especially in China, India, the United States, Russia, and Brazil. In contrast, poorer countries, such as Tanzania, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Nepal, experience relatively larger direct losses, while rich regions heavily dependent on agricultural imports, including Hong Kong, Qatar, and Singapore, suffer relatively larger indirect losses. Considering that nations frequently implement export restrictions to ensure food self-sufficiency, we further design a hypothetical scenario to assess the global trade and economic impacts of near-term (2025-2030) agricultural export restrictions in four key food production regions (China, India, the United States, and Indonesia) under extreme precipitation anomalies. Our study highlights the importance of an integrated and comprehensive assessment of the risk footprint of climate change-related shocks, encompassing both direct and indirect impacts on GSCs. 

This study highlights the challenges and resilience of SMEs embedded in global supply chains that are vulnerable to systemic risks. SMEs, constituting a significant portion of the global economy, have been largely overlooked in supply chain resilience literature. Faced with crises like the COVID-19 pandemic or geopolitical tensions, SMEs often adopt a wait-and-see approach, seeking to reduce uncertainty before making tangible commitments. Our proposed conceptual framework highlights strategic intelligence as a key dynamic capability to diminish uncertainty, reduce the waiting time for SMEs, and prompt them to commit tangible resources to restore balance in a new context. Three sub-capabilities of strategic intelligence are identified: supply network visibility, environmental sensing, and timely responsiveness. External moderating determinants, such as external social capital and government support, can also help overcome the limitations of SMEs' internal resources. This study calls for future empirical research to explore these relationships and address current gaps in the understanding of SMEs' supply chain resilience. It particularly encourages testing this model using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. By focusing on strategic intelligence, inter-organizational resource sharing, and government support, it provides practical insights for managers and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of enhancing SME resilience in the face of systemic disruptions. This, in turn, contributes to the resilience of our economies in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

Lagos State, Nigeria's economic hub, has embraced globalization to develop its supply chain infrastructure, aiming to enhance trade and economic growth. However, the rapid emergence of disruptive technologies has raised significant sustainability concerns. The state faces challenges such as infrastructure deficits, the digital divide, trade disruptions, and geopolitical tensions, which complicate its participation in the globalized supply chain while striving for sustainable development. This study assesses Lagos State's supply chain policies through the lens of emerging technologies and sustainability issues. Using qualitative methods, including key informant interviews and content analysis, the research examines how Lagos can leverage new technologies to enhance supply chain sustainability. The findings reveal notable progress in infrastructure development but highlight persistent challenges in balancing global trade participation with sustainable practices. The study concludes that Lagos State's supply chain policy can drive economic growth by harnessing emerging technologies and prioritizing sustainability. Recommendations include increased investment in research and development, regular policy reviews, and strengthened stakeholder collaboration to address sustainability challenges effectively.

Forecasting disruptions in global food value chains to tackle food insecurity: The role of AI and big data analytics – A bibliometric and scientometric analysis

Efficient location of industrial activity cells in a global supply chain

There has been a paradigm shift in the functioning of global supply chains, particularly in thepost-pandemic era. This shift is characterized by the convergence of technology. deployment, geopolitical dynamics, and an increased awareness of environmental and social responsibilities. These transformative changes compel businesses to navigate a complex. web of challenges while simultaneously creating many opportunities for global supply chains. This includes delegating responsibilities to the supplier side, empowering suppliers, and promoting digital supply chain networks. Ongoing trade tensions between major economies, such as the United States and China, have resulted in fluctuations in global logistics patterns. Alterations in tariffs and trade agreements impact shipping routes, transportation costs, and the overall flow of goods. Consequently, supply chains must focus on end-to-end supply chains originating from low-cost sources to withstand unforeseen events like black swan occurrences and geopolitical and trade wars. The pandemic has underscored the critical importance of building resilient supply chains. Many firms reevaluate their supply chain strategies, emphasizing diversification to mitigate risk. This involves reassessing suppliers, exploring alternative sourcing options, and increasing safety stock levels. Geopolitical uncertainties and disruptions have prompted reconsidering global sourcing strategies, with reshoring and nearshoring gaining prominence. Companies seek to mitigate risks associated with distant and complex supply chains by bringing production closer to target markets, enhancing responsiveness, reducing lead times, and fortifying supply chain resilience amid uncertain business conditions. From the traditional supply chain model, there is a continuous effort to integrate information technology to transform value streams and increase processes' transparency. Blockchain is playing a significant role, from tracking the provenance of raw materials to reducing transaction fraud. This technology fosters a new level of trust among supply chain partners, safeguarding against potential disruptions and reinforcing the integrity of the entire supply chain ecosystem. These rapid transformations amid uncertain conditions have prompted a reevaluation of supply chain resiliency with a greater focus on risk mitigation strategies. In global logistics, owning ships and manufacturing/leasing containers for extended periods have become the guiding principles. The recent Brexit has also impacted global transport's European and UK legs. The European industry is grappling with significant shortages of resources, including drivers and trained supply chain manpower, affecting last-mile delivery and land transportation in numerous geographies. The growth of e-commerce has significantly influenced supply chains, leading to innovations in last-mile delivery solutions. Companies are investing in warehouse automation, drone deliveries, and other technologies to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding e-commerce market. x Furthermore, a seismic shift toward sustainability reshapes the global supply chain landscape. Businesses recognize the imperative to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. Initiatives to reduce carbon footprints, optimize transportation routes, and embrace ethical sourcing practices are becoming integral components of supply chain strategies. Sustainability is no longer merely a corporate buzzword but a critical factor in ensuring long-term viability and meeting the expectations of socially conscious consumers. Overall, global supply chains are undergoing significant transformation driven by technological innovation, environmental consciousness, and a commitment to building resilient networks. Businesses that embrace these trends are not only adapting to the challenges of today but are also positioning themselves to thrive in the dynamic landscape of tomorrow. The key to success is navigating change, leveraging technology, and building sustainable businesses.

Amidst the renewed quest for supply chain resiliency, finance outgrows its traditional role in B2B; instead, finance position itself to become a more integrated partner in supply chain management activities. Areas such as global trade management and supply chain risk management are fluid areas for finance to flourish, coupled with increasing demands for finance to take a more active role in supply chain management. The global supply chain has experienced several disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme climate change-induced events, natural disasters, conflict, financial crises, recessions, shortages of raw materials for manufacturing, and macroeconomic imbalances; however, futuristic disruptions are already projected by several stakeholders in the logistics and transport sector. Hence, companies must concentrate on building their resilience to all manner of supply chain disruptions. The initial motive of firm management to increase leverage and engage in financial goods is diminished when the economic dilemma of supply chain value is resolved; by so doing, the internal financial situations could facilitate the advancement of enterprise value. Keywords: supply chain, financial service innovations, distribution dimension, COVID-19 DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/15-7-01 Publication date: April 30 th 2023