Active Learning Approach in Teaching Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Can We Connect? Benefits and Barriers to Adoption of Transformative Technology in Global Supply Chains

As part of business and management studies, research works addressed blockchain technology (BCT) in logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) first in 2016. Increasing levels of interest from researchers and practitioners alike have led to an increasing number of studies from both ends; however, a thorough bibliometric- and cocitation network analysis of BCT in LSCM research has not been carried out so far. To address this gap and to build a basis for future research endeavors, this article provides a bibliometric analysis on BCT, comprising data from 613 articles from academic supply chain research. It is therefore an easy-to-access entry point for academics and practitioners into the topic of BCT in LSCM. This study aims to understand the status of research of BCT in LSCM. To present the results, this article employs a bibliometric analysis methodology. It adopts a citation network analysis and a cocitation analysis. Based on a cocitation analysis, this article classifies the existing literature into five different research clusters, including theoretical sensemaking, conceptualizing and testing blockchain applications, framing BCT into supply chains, the technical design of BCT applications for real-world LSCM applications, and the role of BCT within digital supply chains.

Theory is fundamental in research to rationalize concepts, instigate changes and advance a discipline. The existing body of research in logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) suggests more theoretical application and inductive reasoning. Specifically, however, theories used in Halal logistics and supply chain management (HLSCM) literature has never been formally scrutinized. This chapter aims to systematically review and examine the theories applied in HLSCM research in the past decade. Through a comprehensive literature review of extant HLSCM literature published in the Journal of Islamic Marketing, 14 theories were identified. The in-depth review suggests that theories are explicit but used sparingly – implying insufficient theoretical application in HLSCM research. Interestingly, much of the theories used in HLSCM research emerge from other disciplines. This suggests the need for a more definitive HLSCM theory development. The information in this chapter may help scholars (authors, reviewers and editors) widen theoretical application in the HLSCM research and increase inductive and deductive research in the LSCM domain at large.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an ambitious infrastructure and development project promoting sustainable economic growth through facilitating prosperous trade across Eurasia and Africa; however, its potential remains underexploited. Logistics networks along BRI routes face several challenges that hinder efficient operations. In addition, although uncertain of how the initiative will develop, logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) practitioners must align their networks with future developments. This study aims to synthesize current barriers to the BRI from an LSCM perspective; propose strategies for dealing with them; and outline and assess conceivable BRI development scenarios to create awareness for possible international logistics network developments. The study builds on a structured and moderated Nominal Group Technique exercise among 15 LSCM professionals to extract current barriers, mitigation strategies, and potential development scenarios, followed by a survey among 52 LSCM professionals to assess those issues. The study synthesizes and assesses 17 BRI barriers for LSCM practice and proposes 20 strategies for dealing with them, assessed in terms of effectiveness and complexity. Moreover, 14 development scenarios are assessed in terms of their probability of becoming reality and impact on the vulnerability of logistics networks, categorized into four scenario clusters (monitor, prepare, propel, and exploit) for guiding LSCM practice.

Big data analytics in logistics and supply chain management: Certain investigations for research and applications

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the usage of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in journals related to logistics and supply chain management (LSCM).Design/methodology/approachBased on a structured literature review approach, the authors reviewed 401 articles in the field of LSCM applying PLS-SEM published in 15 major journals between 2014 and 2022. The analysis focused on reasons for using PLS-SEM, measurement model and structural model evaluation criteria, advanced analysis techniques and reporting practices.FindingsLSCM researchers sometimes did not clarify the reasons for using PLS-SEM, such as sample size, complex models and non-normal distributions. Additionally, most articles exhibit limited use of measurement models and structural model evaluation techniques, leading to inappropriate use of assessment criteria. Furthermore, progress in the practical implementation of advanced analysis techniques is slow, and there is a need for improved transparency in reporting analysis algorithms.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field of LSCM by providing clear criteria and steps for using PLS-SEM, enriching the understanding and advancement of research methodologies in this field.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the social process of Big Data and predictive analytics (BDPA) use for logistics and supply chain management (LSCM), focusing on interactions among technology, human behavior and organizational context that occur at the technology’s post-adoption phases in retail supply chain (RSC) organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors follow a grounded theory approach for theory building based on interviews with senior managers of 15 organizations positioned across multiple echelons in the RSC.FindingsFindings reveal how user involvement shapes BDPA to fit organizational structures and how changes made to the technology retroactively affect its design and institutional properties. Findings also reveal previously unreported aspects of BDPA use for LSCM. These include the presence of temporal and spatial discontinuities in the technology use across RSC organizations.Practical implicationsThis study unveils that it is impossible to design a BDPA technology ready for immediate use. The emergent process framework shows that institutional and social factors require BDPA use specific to the organization, as the technology comes to reflect the properties of the organization and the wider social environment for which its designers originally intended. BDPA is, thus, not easily transferrable among collaborating RSC organizations and requires managerial attention to the institutional context within which its usage takes place.Originality/valueThe literature describes why organizations will use BDPA but fails to provide adequate insight into how BDPA use occurs. The authors address the “how” and bring a social perspective into a technology-centric area.

ABSTRACTThe combination of inadequate health systems and the occurrence of humanitarian crisis results in significant logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) challenges in the support of their vulnerable populations. Because of the high cost of humanitarian LSCM and the limited funding available, it is important that organizations make the most of their limited resources. The aim of this research is to develop our understanding of the drivers of LSCM cost in a humanitarian setting. The paper explores the importance of a range of different underpinning potential factors impacting the cost per beneficiary and develops a resultant set of hypotheses tested with a robust regression model. The results demonstrate that the number of beneficiaries and the type of organization, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and the type of health programme all affect the supply chain costs per beneficiary. This research helps further the understanding of the drivers of efficiency for humanitarian supply chains and the impact of health programme design on supply chain costs.

The global business landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the convergence of rapid technological advancements and an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. This research explores the strategic implications of this convergence for precision supply chain management. By examining the interplay between emerging technologies like AI, automation, and blockchain, and geopolitical factors such as trade policies and regional instability, this study offers insights into how businesses can navigate this dynamic landscape. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating historical analysis, in-depth case studies, and speculative scenarios to illuminate the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating advanced technologies within a globalized LSCM (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) context. The findings underscore the transformative potential of technology in enhancing efficiency and optimization, while also highlighting the critical role of geopolitical considerations in shaping LSCM strategies. The research concludes with actionable recommendations for businesses, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that balances technological innovation with geopolitical awareness to achieve precision, resilience, and sustainable growth in an ever-evolving global marketplace.

Bridging the gap: Building environmental, social and governance capabilities in small and medium logistics companies

The Fusion of GIS and Building Information Modeling for Big Data Analytics in Managing Development Sites

Active learning approaches require a lot of time investment in student activities and engagement during the class period, which often leads to incomplete coverage of the course syllabus. Furthermore, it requires significant amount of time for the instructor to design and implement active learning strategies. All these shortcomings are often cited as the common hindrance in adopting student active learning. To address these widely recognized inhibiting factors, we recently implemented a new student active learning approach. This approach is based on the students’ presentation and hence termed as student presentation-based active learning (SPAL). Under this approach, students are given a reading assignment to prepare a PowerPoint presentation on well-defined conceptual topics, questions, or chapter modules. Reading assignments on a topic are administered 1–2 weeks before covering them in the class. This allows reasonable time for the self-comprehension of the suggested material for presentation preparation. Students were expected to rehearse the presentation and be prepared to complete it in the suggested time duration. During each lecture, one group of student would present the assigned topic to the class, and their presentations were graded according to the rubric focusing on the coverage of suggested topics, quality of presentation, and after presentation discussions. Peers and instructor provided feedback about the students’ presentation and unclear concepts. To understand the efficacy of this approach, this approach was implemented in Mechanical Engineering Senior Capstone Project I course in Fall 2016. Here the responses and insights garnered from this practice were presented, and discussion on the advantages and challenges associated with the adaptation of this approach in teaching engineering courses as compared to lecture based classroom education system. This paper can provide useful insights for instructors considering this approach or similar student active teaching approach in their courses.

Contributors

Active learning can serve as a platform for addressing sustainability, ethics, and social entrepreneurship by engaging students in experiential activities with external organisations for initiatives with a social mission. A variety of active learning approaches provide an opportunity to promote collaboration between students and external organisations in pursuit of a socially beneficial goal. This paper highlights different active learning approaches that emphasise sustainability, ethics, and social entrepreneurship in undergraduate and graduate management education. These approaches include experiential learning methods, such as undergraduate case competitions and global MBA case studies, as well as action learning methods, such as live consulting projects and cross–national student collaborations. These active learning approaches can help students address ethical, social, and environmental issues in complex business situations.

Operations, logistics and supply chains are catalysts in any modern economy and therefore essential contributors to economic prosperity and societal welfare. This chapter briefly sketches the origins of the field and presents a case study on the importance of a balanced logistical organization from the 17th century, after which formal definitions and objectives are introduced. In addition, we discuss relations with other management areas as well as with other science domains such as law or social and political sciences. Topics and concepts in this chapter are discussed at an elementary level, aiming to provide an introduction to the topical field of operations, logistics, and supply chain management.