Procurement Lead Time Reduction at a Contract Assembly Facility Through an Intelligent Agent Based Framework

PurposeThis paper aims to review the concept of supply chain management. The typical problems facing with textile and apparel supply chain are short product cycle for fashion articles, long production lead‐time and forecasting errors for fashion items. The Hong Kong textile and apparel supply chain faces additional problems of distance from customers in the US and European markets, long production lead‐times and minimum batch sizes for production, and, recently, elimination of quota restriction in the US market, all of which force them to improve efficiency and enhance competitiveness through supply chain management. Seeks also to provide a selective bibliography for industrial practitioners with sources which can help them develop their supply chain strategies for the fashion market in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachA range of recent published (1993‐2005) works, which aim to provide practical advice are critiqued to aid the individual practitioner to manage its supply chain strategies in Hong Kong. These sources are sorted into sections: supply chain management in Hong Kong, textile and apparel supply chain management in Hong Kong, and problems faced by small and medium‐sized enterprises for textile and apparel supply chain.FindingsThe differentiation of product demands into functional and innovative products helps the supply chain company to employ different supply chain strategies for different products, namely responsive supply chain strategy for innovative products and efficiency supply chain strategy for functional products. These two supply chain strategies are focused on the downstream supply chain aiming at shortening the time to research the market and also to reduce the stock levels in the retailing industry.Research limitations/implicationsThis is not an exhaustive list and cases are mainly from the Hong Kong textile and apparel industry, which perhaps limits its usefulness elsewhere.Practical implicationsA very useful source of information and impartial advice for industrial practitioners to develop their own supply chain strategies for the fashion market in Hong Kong. Especially recently with the elimination of quota to the US market, the management of the supply chain is critical.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and offers practical help to industrial practitioners on then supply chain management for the Hong Kong textile and apparel industry.

The main goal of this study is to present a multidimensional structure for relationship between Supply Chain Strategies, Business Strategies, and Knowledge Management Strategies with Knowledge Sharing in Supply Chain of the Automotive Industry of Iran. This is an applied research and has done as a Survey, Correlation and cause-effect research. In this research, confirmative factor analysis, correlation test, co-linearity test, and path analysis were used. Innovation aspect of the study is making a comprehensive view to relationship between supply chain strategies, business strategies, and knowledge management strategies with knowledge sharing in the supply chain. Another innovative aspect of the study is attention to supply chain strategies in context of knowledge management, because there are few researches about knowledge management in supply chain. The paper tries to describe quantitatively all the relations in multidimensional structure. Findings show that effective knowledge sharing in supply chain is influenced by the hierarchy of strategies. Therefore, supply chain strategies influence the business strategies and business strategies affects knowledge strategies and at least, knowledge strategies influence the effective and systematic knowledge sharing in the supply chain. Therefore, knowledge sharing is most of all influenced by knowledge management strategies; but is indirectly influenced by business strategies and supply chain strategies.

In academia as in practice, seaports are increasingly viewed as elements in supply chains. It is argued that seaports should add value to shippers by aligning their own business activities with shippers’ Supply Chain Management (SCM) strategies and requirements. The implications of this ‘port-SCM’ philosophy are not fully explored, however. In this context, it is especially important to create mutual understanding between shippers, in terms of their SCM strategies, and port actors, in terms of services provided. In this paper a framework is developed, which aims to improve mutual understanding between shippers and port actors from a SCM point of view. It thereby aims to contribute to the dialogue on how the port logistics system can be better integrated into shippers’ SCM strategies. Three SCM reference models are analysed and twelve SCM subsystems identified that represent broad design areas of shippers’ SCM strategies. Further, the seaport system is discussed in terms of system boundaries and the actors involved. Port actors and SCM subsystems are then combined into one explanatory framework, the SCM-port actor matrix. Finally, applying the matrix, three cases retrieved from academic and trade literature in which port actors are actively involved in conducting shippers’ supply chain strategies are discussed. The paper concludes with a brief outlook on future research needs.

The strategic management of the supply chain includes the formulation and implementation of a supply chain strategy as well as the assessment of the results. Undoubtedly, the formulation of a supply chain strategy is part of each of the three levels of strategic planning: corporate, business unit, and functional. For successful strategic management of the supply chain, an integrated approach is needed to link the supply chain strategy with the overall strategic management of the company. It is the Balanced Scorecard which seems to be a suitable and effective tool for this purpose. The Balanced Scorecard focuses on formulating a supply chain strategy, linking it to the corporate vision and turning it into particular actions to achieve the strategic objectives. In this article, a methodology for strategic supply chain management is proposed based on the Balanced Scorecard as an instrument for supply chain strategy formulation and implementation. The methodology consists of twelve steps, each of which is commented in more detail. The article aims at filling the gap identified in the literature devoted to strategic aspects of supply chain management.

In the context of digital transformation, Total Supply Chain Management (TSCM) has emerged as an integrative approach that extends beyond traditional supply chain management paradigms to address the complexities of today's global markets. This study introduces the CSISO (Co-opetition, Strategy, Innovation, Social Responsibility, and Operations) model, a novel conceptual framework that uses traditional Chinese cultural symbols to illustrate the multifaceted nature of TSCM. The CSISO model leverages the symbolic elements of Chinese opera masks—ears, eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth—to represent core dimensions of supply chain management. This integration of cultural symbols provides a unique and intuitive tool that enhances both the academic understanding and the practical application of supply chain strategies. Employing a multidisciplinary, multi-sectoral, and multilevel approach, TSCM facilitates the seamless integration of various supply chain components, encompassing competition and cooperation, strategic planning, technological innovation, social responsibility, and operational efficiency. The application of cultural symbols within the CSISO model not only enriches the theoretical framework of supply chain integration but also offers practical managerial implications. Managers can use the CSISO model to better communicate and implement comprehensive, culturally informed supply chain strategies, thereby fostering enhanced collaboration, innovation, and sustainability within their organizations. This study makes several contributions: it offers a comprehensive framework that aligns with contemporary supply chain needs by integrating cultural insights with modern management practices; and it extends the theoretical foundation of supply chain integration by incorporating the latest advancements in technology and organizational behavior. The findings suggest that adopting a TSCM approach not only improves efficiency and effectiveness but also fosters sustainable and resilient supply chains in a rapidly evolving global environment. By embedding cultural dimensions into supply chain management, the CSISO model provides a novel perspective that enhances strategic decision-making and operational practices, ultimately driving overall business performance.

Over last two decades, a new approach has emerged: competitive advantage lies through the supply chain (SC). Especially unique set of relations between organisations in a supply network enables the achievement of competitive advantage through lower costs, greater differentiation and focus on niche segments. The success and failure of SCs are ultimately determined in the marketplace by the end consumer. Delivering the right product, at the right time, at the right price to the consumer is vital not only to achieve competitive success but also to survive in today's marketplace. Hence, understanding of marketplace requirements and customer satisfaction are crucial elements to consider for devising and revising the right SC strategy. Any competitive advantage arises from both the choice of SC activities and how they are performed. In this paper, a conceptual framework which is linking competitive capabilities to SC management (SCM) strategies through the aspects of demand and SC is provided. The idea behind such a framework is to give managers a guide while devising their SC strategies according to customer needs. It is aimed to detail the specific SC tools and techniques, as well as decisions which are required to service each SC process distinguished according to customer needs. A conceptual framework is built for SCs in order to meet marketplace requirements in alignment with business strategies.

The purpose of this paper was to emphasize the importance of data accuracy within internal logistics systems and their extended influence on supply chains in automotive industry through 6-month multiple case studies conducted on 3 first tier original equipment manufacturers (OEM) based in Western Romania. The study investigates the most common causes of data inaccuracies among automotive suppliers and their approaches to reduce consequential supply chain issues and be more agile. Data collection and analysis revealed that main issues arise due to ordering quantities mismatching actual customer demand, a wide range of order lot sizes, lead times and delivery reliability concerns and the reluctance to shift away from mainstream cost-effectiveness and towards strategic added value thinking. These issues sourced significant other related operational challenges such as excessive inventory, short-term stockouts and subsequent express shipping services or product-related inconveniences (quality and capacity levels, contracted volumes and dedicated lines). The paper sources different logistics and supply chain strategies used by the 3 OEMs, their features and operational performance, as well as their overall effectiveness, which can be applied by other automotive industry suppliers to improve own results. Introducing more reliable real-time data collection tools and performance metrics has started hauling more focus towards solving these prevalent issues with some ongoing improvement projects showing up to 25% better results. For one of the 3 OEMs introducing a new warehouse management system has already sourced an overall quality increase (5 percentage points) due to a 60% higher utilization of its production equipment.

Contributors

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.

Bundling Strategy and Channel Competition in Supply Chains with Complementary Products

Supply chain management executives in corporate upper echelons

So far, agent research can be broadly categorized into two areas: intelligent agents and mobile agents. Intelligent agent research has grown from a background of AI, humancomputer interaction, and autonomous systems, while mobile agents research stems from the areas of distributed computing and networked systems. Intelligent agents research addresses intelligent control, planning, domain modeling, user modeling, perception, interagent cooperation, and adaptivity. Intelligent agents can take on many different roles, ranging from representing a human user’s interests to actively collaborating with users and each other. Intelligent agents are being designed to tackle nearly every tedious, non-creative activity that people perform (e.g., Web searches), as well as many more abstract functions (e.g., entertainment). Major issues in intelligent agents research include knowledge representation and communication, architectures for intelligent autonomy, mixed-initiative behavior, collaboration techniques, and learning. Mobile agents address physical communication, agent mobility, tracking and locating mobile agents, security and reliability of agents, etc. Mobile agents are suited for optimizing communication ‐ moving the action towards the source of data ‐ and thereby avoiding the need for huge data transfers. This is beneficial in data-intensive applications such as data mining. Mobility can also improve reliability in certain cases. In the field of electronic commerce, mobile agents naturally reflect the characteristics of buyer and the seller, effectively playing the roles of traveling salesman or broker. They can also be applied for easier software customization, software distribution, and to represent disconnected users. The main issues are in security, providing the infrastructure on the Web (naming, locating, controlling, and messaging) and improving survivability. The biggest challenge for all new agent technology is developing successful applications. For this minitrack, we selected two characteristics of agents that can span the diverging areas of intelligent and mobile agents: mobility and communication. The accepted papers reflect the research issues described in this summary. The minitrack is organized in three sessions. The first session explores the coordination of multiple intelligent agents using dramatically different communication schemes. Andersson and Ygge present an efficient market-based approach to managing very large scale groups of agents engaged in coordination via producer/ consumer transactions. Their CoTree algorithm allows largescale markets to operate efficiently with sparse communication, rapid updates as agent preferences change, and minimal data caching requirements on massively distributed systems. In contrast, Nelson, Penner, and Soken discuss the Interaction Society model of coordination, in which relatively small-scale groups of knowledge-intensive agents collaborate using complex communication about discrete tasking and information requirements. Their model for inter-agent communication and interactions with human users is being applied to build a multi-agent advising system for coordinating military Search and Rescue operations. Finally, Barbuceanu discusses the role of obligations and interdictions in the context of coarse-grain agent interactions. By explicitly capturing social obligations and the costs associated with violating those constraints, he shows how rational agents can achieve coordinated behavior without necessarily sharing goals. The second session addresses Java-based mobile agent systems. The paper by Covaci, Busse and Zhang, describes how a mobile agent system can be used for network management. Their framework is based on existing solutions such as TMN, and can be extended to SNMP.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and explain competition between buyers and sellers within the same supply chain network. It suggests that supply chain can be best described as an opportunistic coalition between the powerful and ambitious ones.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses the arguments and counter‐arguments on outsourcing and also supply chain management as presented in the academic literature. Then it analyses some of the prevailing practices in supply chain, and uses concepts of power, team and opportunistic alliance to suggest that supply chain could best be described as an opportunistic alliance.FindingsBuyers and suppliers are always engaged in power struggles, even though they may be cooperating to run the supply chain smoothly. The degree of one party's success in such a struggle is determined by the extent of the others' dependence on it. The dependence is reliant on one's control over the process of defining, designing and producing the goods and services required to fulfil the needs of the end customers.Research limitations/implicationsWhile success in the market is equally important, this paper elaborates on the supply chain issue only.Practical implicationsThe article is useful for managers, making “make‐or buy” decisions and entering into (supply chain) alliances. Similarly, students engaged in analysis and understanding of issues pertaining to supply chain management and strategy can find this article useful.Originality/valueCompetition within supply chain has been a missing link in the discussions of the supply chain strategy. The paper has conceptualized and elaborated this very important issue.

Supply chain (SC) is a new term that emphasizes interaction between marketing, logistics, and production. With the application of SC, comes the opportunity primarily related to the management of procurement of logistics material across corporate boundaries, such as between firm and its suppliers. This paper presents the existing research in the field of materials procurement of SC which includes SC concepts and traditional management versus supply chain management (SCM). The discussions on the evolution of SCM have also been included to show how SC is defined and practised today, with the intention of highlighting new opportunities to improve the performance of materials SCM. This paper indicated that SCM has transferred us from ultra-functional material chain insights to intervention and even between organizations. The SCM concept is now commonly used in businesses for corporate interests in the SC (from organizations that extract basic raw materials to end customers). The basic principles of SCM are integration. However, SCM is not well-known in the construction industry. This paper considers the potential of applying SCM to integrate the construction process in Malaysia and hence, addressing urgent issues including poor cost, practices and environmental performance associated with the traditional process.

A public health emergency of international concern, such as a pandemic, disrupts the normal operation of the global supply chain, which necessitates in-depth research on supply chain management. In this paper, we used bibliometric and content analysis to provide a systematic analysis of the supply chain industry from this background. The descriptive analysis provides insights into the publication growth trajectory, in terms of the contributing authors, countries, and subject categories, which presents an intuitive display of previous research. In addition, the existing research mainly covers three dimensions of supply chain disruption, strategies, and sustainability, which can be clustered into supply chain disruption, disruption recovery, reconfiguration, digital intelligence, optimization, and sustainability. By revisiting the supply chain industry, we explored the transformation of its characteristics in the pandemic, covering themes ranging from expansion to contraction, from traditional to digital intelligence, and from fragile to sustainability, which suggests potential research directions for future studies. This contributes to the further research of supply chain management during the pandemic and provides supply chain managers with a practical approach for dealing with supply chain disruption risks and improving supply chain sustainability in this context.