Logistics and Supply Chain Management Investigation: A Case Study

Contributors

Purpose: The article aims at presenting possible challenges faced by supply chains in the upcoming years. Design/methodology/approach: The article employs analysis of the literature on the subject. Findings: As a result of the critical analysis of the literature, the authors have highlighted what they consider to be the most significant challenges facing supply chain managers in the coming years. These include meeting increasing customer demands for on-time delivery, the skillful use of new technologies and an increasing emphasis on environmental issues in supply chain management. These are challenges arising from changes in the business environment. The last few years, and many examples of broken supply chains, have shown that changes in the way we think about how supply chains operate are required in many areas. Trends in the environment are forcing the challenges listed above to be addressed urgently. These challenges are closely interconnected. For example, changes in purchasing behaviour are also increasingly concerned with environmental issues, which translates into the need to 'green' supply chains. Also, customer expectations for greater visibility of processes in supply chains and increasing pressure to deliver as quickly as possible (which is linked to the growth of e-commerce), are driving the need for new technologies, including automation. Research limitations/implications: The authors have focused on the most important trends and challenges and the article certainly does not cover all the topics studied. It is to some extent a subjective selection made by the authors. In addition, it should be noted that dynamic changes in the environment may influence the emergence of new challenges that are not presented in the article. Practical implications: The supply chain management challenges presented in the article may be of interest to those responsible for the operations of supply chains within companies. Originality/value: The article is a subjective indication of the most important trends in supply chain management and stems from a review of the literature on the subject. Although the issues analysed are present in other research papers, here we have the authors’ choice. Keywords: supply chain management, smart logistics, GSCM. Category of the paper: Viewpoint.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess if blockchain technology, which is hailed for its potential to improve supply chain transparency and efficiency, can deliver to this promise (Abreu et al., 2021; Mahyuni et al., 2020; Manzoor et al., 2022; Rennie, 2022; Yiannas, 2018). Supply chains are increasingly complex and full transparency is difficult to achieve and may sometimes be undesired, yet governments worldwide are demanding more transparency especially with respect to the social and environmental sustainability of supply chains (Francisco & Swanson, 2018; Franke, 2021; Najjar, 2021). If blockchain technology allows to close this gap, without compromising corporate confidentiality and efficiency requirements, it might change supply chain management drastically. Most other research in this field remains rather superficial with respect to the fundamentals of blockchain technology and supply chain management. Our study will add to the very limited theoretically founded research on blockchain potentials in supply chains.Study Design: Our paper is conceptual. Based on the extant literature, we compare blockchain technology and its advantages to the characteristics of supply chains and challenges of supply chain management to identify a theoretical fit. We investigate if published case studies of blockchain technology in supply chain management support this. Finally, we devise a conceptual framework for the application of blockchain technology in supply chain management.Findings: There is, currently, very limited use for blockchain technology in supply chain management. It does not provide an answer to several of the challenges that exist in supply chain management. Blockchain technology was primarily devised as encryption technology for virtual entities and transactions involving them and not for tangible objects. Published case studies describing the use of blockchain technology in supply chain management do not contradict these findings.They rely on private blockchain solutions lacking the key benefits of blockchain technology. Our conceptual framework constitutes a reference for a future public blockchain solution for supply chains. It offers solutions for some of the challenges but also cannot solve some fundamental challenges, like power imbalances in supply chains.Limitations: Blockchain technology undergoes rapid development. Future blockchain technology may be faster, less energy-intensive and more integrated with other technologies. This may be aided by developments in hardware, like quantum computing. The findings of this paper are limited to currently available technology.Implications: Companies and governments alike should be very cautious when considering investing in currently available blockchain solutions for supply chain management.

The supply chain management (SCM) is the active management of supply chain activities to maximise customer value and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Horticulture sector is dominated mainly by small holdings. Horticultural markets are nearly imperfect in nature. The estimates of the marketed surplus for the year 2011–2012 indicate that the quantum of marketed surplus will be more for fruits and vegetables than for food grains and oilseeds (GoI 2007). Only 2 % of horticultural produce is processed, 0.4 % is exported and 22 % is lost or wasted in the market chain (Singh 2009). Studies on the present status of the supply chain and its management for horticultural produce suggest for more investment and extension activities. Market infrastructures in terms of storage (godown) facilities, cold storages, loading, weighing facilities, improvement in the road network and cold chain facilities constitute the basics of an efficient supply chain management. Integrating small farmers with high-value urban and export markets and provision of up-to-date market information through ICT would lead to the development and growth of the sector and can act as a model for SCM. Due to constraints in government investment, a private investment or public-private partnership (PPP) model may be encouraged. All these efforts may help to bring the horticultural sector into a systematic supply chain and logistics management for its growth and development.

Construction management is generally characterized with project-based management which is scattered with separated responsibilities from independent construction participants and separated phases from the lifecycle of construction. Efficient construction collaboration among all participants and construction lifecycle is crucial to improve construction management performance. Supply chain management is an innovative and systematic approach to resolve many problems in construction collaboration, but the construction supply chain is relatively fragmented and inefficient since construction management process and collaboration are unique. This paper presents a systematic supply chain management model for construction projects, and construction information is specified and illustrated for supply chain management. The information flow in the construction supply chain system is optimized to improve construction collaboration performance, and an efficient internet-based construction collaboration model is suggested to accelerate the innovations for management of construction projects.

Purpose: The present study is an attempt to provide a model of green supply chain management based on new product development (NPD) in the auto industry.
 Methodology: In the present study, the method of grounded theory has been used to develop a model. The required data were collected through interviews with academic experts, auto industry managers, and a review of documented meta-data and relevant reports. The sampling continued until the saturation of categories using the theoretical sampling method. The research data were analyzed simultaneously with the data collection during the three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. This process led to the development of the green model of supply chain management following NPD in the auto industry based on the grounded theory.
 Main Findings: The findings of this study suggest that managers must carefully consider all categories and subcategories identified in this study and have the necessary and sufficient information about each item to implement the green supply chain management successfully based on NPD in the automotive industry.
 Application of Study: This research indicates the need to pay attention to green supply chain management based on the development of new products in the automotive industry.
 Novelty/Originality: Development of the green model of supply chain management following NPD in the auto industry based on the grounded theory.

Modern companies face numerous challenges in supply chain management, particularly due to globalization, increasing competition, and the need for quick adaptation to market changes. Inefficient supply chain management can lead to higher costs, supply delays, and reduced customer satisfaction, which directly impacts financial performance and competitiveness. The study aims to identify methods for improving supply chain management efficiency, taking into account current economic and technological conditions. Given the volatility of global markets, it is crucial to develop adaptive and resilient supply chain strategies that align with both short-term objectives and long-term sustainability goals. The study uses methods of analysis, synthesis, comparative analysis, as well as a systems approach to assess modern supply chain management strategies. The impact of cutting-edge technologies such as Big Data, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain on optimizing supply chain processes was analyzed. The effectiveness of ERP systems in the context of business process integration and risk management was evaluated. The study identified key issues in supply chain management: insufficient integration between systems, low supply chain transparency, inefficient inventory management, and high logistics costs. To address these issues, the following solutions were proposed: Implementing ERP systems and enhancing their functionality for business process integration; Using Big Data analytics for demand forecasting; Developing risk management strategies, particularly through supplier and transport route diversification; Optimizing inventory and reducing logistics costs by automating and applying flexible supply models. Improving supply chain management efficiency requires active use of modern technologies and innovative optimization methods. Integration of Big Data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things helps reduce costs, shorten delivery times, increase process transparency, and ensure stability in order fulfillment. The proposed solutions will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises in dynamic economic conditions.

Implementation and adoption of new technologies are gaining the result of smooth supply chain and logistics operations. Internet of things (IoT) artificial intelligence, including data mining, intensified in all fields of life, particularly in supply chain management and operations. Blockchain technology has the capability to reform the supply chain and logistics operations management. Blockchain provides digital database solutions for all transactions across supply chain and operations management. Radio frequency identification device (RFID) is also helping technology transmit electromagnetic waves to radio-compatible integrated circuits to look after and manage the entire supply chain and logistics operations management. The Fourth Industry Revolution 4.0 refers to the automation, interconnectivity, machine learning, and real-time data that help supply chain and logistics operations management in the 21st century.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the literature on logistics and supply chain management (SCM) in Africa over the last few decades. It provides a comprehensive assessment of theory application regarding the research articles published between 1994 and 2016.Design/methodology/approachIn this structured systematic literature review, a set of 110 articles on SCM research in Africa is assessed.FindingsThe authors present the state-of-the-art review on logistics and SCM research in Africa. Extant literature shows that most research works focused on operational aspects of logistics and SCM and that papers drew heavily on theories inspired by strategic management, marketing, micro/macroeconomics and organizational behavior theories. Also, most of the papers with theoretical background can be categorized into theory matching and theory dressing and only a minority of theoretical papers belongs to theory suggestion category. Furthermore, based on the findings, the authors present a framework to characterize the peculiar aspects of Africa-based SCM and logistics practices and provide research propositions related to underexplored aspects of logistics and SCM in Africa.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has a number of implications. Practitioners and researchers will gain a greater understanding of how logistics and SCM are carried out in Africa and the type of issues that have been addressed. Furthermore, researchers will be able to identify areas that need greater research attention in Africa.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first literature reviews of publications on logistics and SCM in Africa. It presents an overarching map of the research to date and a series of propositions to inform future research.

Business Excellence model for supply chain management

Company A, engaged in the food and beverage industry, faced challenges in supply chain management due to the inefficient implementation of its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems. The increasing market demand necessitated the integration of these technologies to improve operational efficiency, ensure timely availability of raw materials and product distribution while improving overall competitiveness. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of ERP systems in optimizing operational efficiency through productive integration with SCM, focusing on workflow optimization and data accuracy across the supply chain. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach drawn from secondary sources to understand the relationship between ERP, SCM, and operational performance. The results show that the implementation of ERP and SCM has not been optimized due to lack of training, weak managerial support, and technical constraints such as infrastructure and legacy system integration. This study recommends a comprehensive change management approach, continuous role-based training, and regular system monitoring to reduce downtime. By implementing these strategies, the company can sustainably improve supply chain efficiency and competitiveness.

This chapter explores the futuristic trends in logistics and supply chain management. It covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of logistics and supply chain operations in the economy, the changing landscape in supply chain management, the growth of these operations, emerging trends such as advanced technology applications, sustainability practices, e-commerce influence, globalization versus localization, technology’s role in driving excellence, and the impact of these trends on the economy and society. The roadmap for leaders and decision-makers is also discussed, considering key considerations when adopting new technologies or practices and strategies for aligning with future trends while managing risks. Overall, this chapter provides valuable insights into understanding and navigating the future outlook for logistics and supply chain operations management industries.

The paper presents possible solutions to small farmers in the agricultural sector in a small island setting grappling with challenges of enhancing their local industry and import substitution through a supply-demand chain framework. In 2005, Hawaiian farms produced approximately 363,200 kg of avocados. However, Hawaiian demand for these fruits required an additional 908,000 kg of avocados that were supplied through imports. At the same time, it is worth noting; almost 49% of locally produced avocados did not reach the market. These facts clearly suggest inefficiencies in the local avocado supply chain. Review of the literature on supply chain management suggests a sustainable avocado industry requires an integrated supply and demand chain management system. Hence, a modified conceptual model of supply-chain management called the Supply Demand Integrated Management (SDIM) model is proposed in this paper. Traditional supply chains contain three functional components: supply coordination, physical production and logistic management. In the new model, we propose adding R4D (Research for Development), a public good provided by the government to agricultural industries as an integral part of the supply-demand chain system. It articulates the significance of research and supply chain partnerships between small growers, industry groups, and public agencies. A well-integrated demand/supply chain in the avocado industry allows sharing of vital market information which can contribute to long-term strategic decisions that help local avocado growers increase their competitiveness against foreign imports. It also provides metrics in terms of consumer satisfaction, profitability, competitiveness, self-sufficiency, import substitution and sustainability. The SDIM model as applied to the avocado industry suggests two hypotheses relevant to the current situation. The hypotheses are: (1) There is a lack of coordination between what the farmers are growing and the chefs' (a high-end customer/buyer) preferences; (2) Forming an avocado farmer cooperative will enhance the profitability of local farmers. Survey data was collected from Hawaiian chefs and avocado farmers. Data was analysed using a Duncan multi-range test and a mathematical model, respectively, to test the hypotheses. The test revealed a lack of coordination between what the farmers are growing and buyer preferences. The results from the mathematical model suggested that formation of an avocado marketing cooperative would enhance the profitability of local farmers. Thus, the SDIM framework expands existing body of knowledge about supply chain management and provides useful information to local avocado growers that can help strengthen their supply and demand chain management.

This research paper highlights the emerging developments in the logistics of supply chain management. In this study, the emerging logistics trends were highlighted. Authors have identified 15 logistics trends in the coming years. Elastic logistics was focused mainly considering current pandemic situations. Secondary data and published research articles were reviewed and used. Elastic logistics is all about by building the flexibility to expand and shrink according to the demands of the market in the supply chain during a given time frame. Further, in this study, the purchasing and supply chain management emerging strategies, thrust areas and , logistics & supply chain management linkages, emerging logistics trends, role of elasticity in warehouse operations, and benefits of elastic logistics in businesses. Adoption of elastic logistics philosophies is also discussion. In this context, elastic logistics concept adopted by a company in India also discussed. The case study is about Elastic Run Startup Company’s success story. This paper is an outcome of qualitative study. It is concluded that further empirical research should be conducted. Keywords: Elastic logistics, logistics trends, supply chain management, warehousing,

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Supply-Chain Management (SCM) has revolutionized operations, offering avenues for enhanced efficiency and decision-making. AI has become pivotal in tackling various Supply-Chain Management challenges, notably enhancing demand forecasting precision and automating warehouse operations for improved efficiency and error reduction. However, a critical debate arises concerning the choice between less accurate explainable models and more accurate yet unexplainable models in Supply-Chain Management applications. This paper explores this debate within the context of various Supply-Chain Management challenges and proposes a methodology for developing models tailored to different Supply-Chain Management problems. Drawing from academic research and modelling, the paper discusses the applications of AI in demand forecasting, inventory optimization, warehouse automation, transportation management, supply chain planning, supplier management, quality control, risk management, and customer service. Additionally, it examines the trade-offs between model interpretability and accuracy, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach. The proposed methodology advocates for the development of explainable models for tasks where interpretability is crucial, such as risk management and supplier selection, while leveraging unexplainable models for tasks prioritizing accuracy, like demand forecasting and predictive maintenance. Through this approach, stakeholders gain insights into Supply-Chain Management processes, fostering better decision-making and accountability.