Transportation Synchronization and Improvements for Distribution Centre and Retail Stores

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive and useful insight into the knowledge management (KM) in the supply chain (SC) research and provide gaps and future research implications. The literature review includes a metadata analysis of KM in SC research along a number of dimensions, the existing dimensions as well as dimensions which are previously not been presented within the current area to predict the future role of KM in SC. Design/methodology/approach – The study is to examine the status of KM in SC within academic and industrial research in the last 14 years. The systematic literature review of KM in SC is based on 176 peer reviewed articles selected through a multi-stage process, from 1,063 studies during January 2001-June 2014. Findings – An increase in the interest level of incorporating KM in SC is clearly visible while studying available literature. The statistics prove that research in the field of KM in SC is overwhelmingly empirically oriented. Another major finding shows that the survey model score highest among all the research method used in the discipline. In general, the research is more interpretive in nature and provides a frame for theoretical critique. The result indicates that there is a need to use of advanced data analysis techniques with traditional data analysis technique. Originality/value – The review simply provides statistical summary which is easy to understand for practitioner and provide increased insights on the current state of research for the KM in SC.

Knowledge management (KM) is a major enabler of supply chain (SC) management. The performance of KM in SC may be affected by various different factors and it is always difficult for the practitioners to improve all aspects at the same time. This study presents a favorable method combining fuzzy set theory and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to identify critical factors for successful KM implementations in SC. Considering the interdependence among factors, this fuzzy DEMATEL method forms a structural model and then visualizes the causal relationships among factors through a cause-effect relationship diagram. Then according to the results of proposed method, critical success factor (CSF) of KM in SC is figured out. Finally, four CSFs are identified out of 12 influencing factors, which will helps to improve effectiveness and efficiency of KM in SC.

Purpose – The main aim of this study is to provide a framework for technology-based factors for knowledge management in supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – This is an applied research and has been done as a survey in Iran Khodro and Saipa Company as the largest companies in automotive industry of Iran. In this study, 206 experts participated. Reliability methods were Cronbach’s alfa, and validity tests were content and construction analyses. In response to one main question and three sub-questions in this research, first and second confirmative factor analysis were used. Findings – In this research, after a literature review, a comprehensive framework with three factors is presented. These factors are information technology (IT) tools, information systems integration and information security management. The findings indicate that the first framework in supply chain of the automotive industry has a good fitness and perfect validity. Second, in this framework, factors have also been considered based on importance. The technique of factor analysis was given the highest importance to the information systems integration. Then, IT tools and, ultimately, information security management are considered. In addition, findings indicate that information systems integration has the highest correlation with IT tools. Originality/value – The main innovation aspect of the research is to present a comprehensive framework for technology-based factors and indices for knowledge management in supply chain. In this paper, in addition to presenting a grouping for IT tools for knowledge management processes in supply chain, key indices for information systems integration and information security management are also referred.

Knowledge management (KM) is a major enabler of supply chain (SC) management. Before initiating KM adoption in SC, planning is crucial to achieve intended objectives of increase profit and competitive advantage. Therefore, this study proposes a framework based on fuzzy decision-making trail and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (FMCDM) approach for KM adoption in SC. The proposed approach is helpful to predict the success of KM adoption in SC without actually adopted KM in SC. It also enables organisations to decide whether to initiate KM, restrain adoption or undertake remedial improvements to increase the possibility of successful KM adoption in SC. This proposed approach demonstrated with empirical case of offset printing machine manufacturing organisation in India.

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.

Knowledge management (KM) and supply chain management (SCM) has become the important success factors in this emerging era of information and competitive. This research discusses the sharing knowledge in SCM and presents a hierarchical model of it. The difficulties and complexity of KM in SCM are argued based on complexity theory and complex adaptive system theory. In the fourth section a knowledge management system framework based on multi-agents and Internet is proposed, which has the characteristics as intelligent, flexible, cross-platform and automatic etc.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a practice that has rapidly spread across industries. SCM may boost output while simultaneously satisfying customers. Despite SCM's recognition as a key factor in enhancing healthcare efficiency, widespread adoption remains in its infancy. Hospitals, a crucial element of the healthcare supply chain (HSC), have failed to fulfill the primary goals of lowering costs and providing high-quality treatment due to their inadequate knowledge of supply chain management (SCM). This research was conducted to fill in the blanks in the current HSC literature. Achieving the healthcare supply chain's goal of reducing costs will be greatly aided by the thorough literature study completed for this report. This review of healthcare supply chain management can quantify the benefits of supply chain initiatives and identify opportunities for improvement. Healthcare institutions can make informed decisions on optimizing their supply chains by understanding customer and supplier needs. This includes making strategic decisions on how to improve inventory management, streamline processes and reduce costs. The focus of this study is on the relationship between supply chain practices, the efficiency of supply chain performance, and the financial outcomes for healthcare organizations. By highlighting certain key research issues that are shared by supply chain management and healthcare management, this article contributes to the literature in both areas.

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a social network‐based model for improving knowledge management in multi‐level supply chains formed by small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThis approach uses social network analysis techniques to propose and represent a knowledge network for supply chains. Empirical experience from an exploratory case study in the construction sector is also presented.FindingsThis proposal improves the establishment of inter‐organizational relationships into networks to exchange knowledge among the companies along the supply chain and to create specific knowledge by promoting confidence and motivation.Originality/valueThis proposed model is useful for academics and practitioners in supply chain management to gain a better understanding of knowledge management processes, particularly for supply chains formed by SMEs.

This study on the evaluation of perception towards capacity building programs and workforce skills in HIV/AIDS supply chain management in Nigeria comprised of research objectives and questions. A structured self-completion pre-tested questionnaire (422) was administered to respondents, 396 were completed and returned, with a response rate of (93. 8%). The respondents (mostly managers, supervisors, specialists, advisors, and officers) were drawn from all levels of the HIV/AIDS supply chain sector and work, the majority from national and state levels, with significant experience and workable knowledge of supply chain management. The study revealed that perception towards capacity-building programs and workforce skills in supply chain management reflects reality and entails a good understanding of the HIV/AIDS supply chain management system, mean ± standard deviation score (3.695 ± 0.889 and 3.455±0.643) on a Likert scale of 1-5 (5-point scale) respectively. Reliability analysis was carried out, and Cronbach’s alpha (α) showed the questionnaire reached acceptable reliability, α = 0.886 (perception towards capacity building programs), and less reliable, α = 0.071 (perception towards workforce skills) in HIV/AIDS supply chain management. Inferential analysis revealed that socio-demographic characteristics such as age, years of experience, and job title/rank influence the perception of workforce skills in supply chain management (P<0.05). Federal and State Ministries of Health should ensure proper and effective supervision to prevent the workforce from having a wrong understanding of its capacity-building programs and workforce skills to avoid its harmful effect.

Knowledge Management in Supply Chains: Filling Inter-organizational Gaps As a Prerequisite for Success

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the strategy development by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for improving coordination in supply chain in Indian perspective. Globalization and liberalization of the world economy has leveled the field for all competitors around the globe. To face global competition successfully, SMEs have to break isolation of their suppliers and other entities in the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – For collecting data, a question-based survey was conducted. In total, 251 valid responses were received. Statistical analysis of data acquired from survey is done by one sample t-test, correlation and regression analysis. Findings – Uncertainty of customer order/demand, insufficient knowledge of supply chain management (SCM) and involvement of middlemen in supply chain are the main problems faced by Indian SMEs during implementation of SCM. Quality improvements, delivery on time and cost reduction are the major priorities while forming supply chain strategies. Coordination strategies are positively correlated with business performances. Research limitations/implications – Major implication is that SMEs should develop their strategies effectively after analyzing business environment and future plans. While developing strategies for improving coordination in supply chain of SMEs, they should give due importance to problems and risks they face. However, it is felt that this study can be further explored by considering other aspects of strategy development such as human resource, organization culture, etc. Originality/value – Finding and issues of the paper will be highly useful for SMEs in framing their strategies for improving coordination in supply chain, and academia for further research in the context of changing market scenario.

Background: The demand for higher education in South Africa continues to increase, placing pressure on public higher education institutions to satisfy this demand. Supply chain management is one of the practices that may be implemented to ensure that public universities improve their operations and can, therefore, meet the increased demand for higher education in the country.Objectives: This study aimed to explore the barriers to the implementation of supply chain management practices at a South African public university.Method: The study used a qualitative case study approach using a sample of 17 members of management and staff at a South African traditional university in the Limpopo Province. Data were collected using a combination of a focus group discussion and semi-structured in-depth interviews.Results: The study generated eight themes that embody the barriers to the implementation of supply chain management at the institution. These themes were labelled as stakeholder buy-in, knowledge of supply chain management, supply chain systems and processes, procurement policy and practices, implementation of supply chain management, stakeholder change management, human resource management and organisational culture.Conclusion: Various internal barriers impair the implementation of supply chain management practices at the institution. Administration at the institution has invested limited resources, time and initiatives to ensure the successful implementation of supply chain management. The focus should be directed to finding lasting solutions to each of the barriers identified in this study. Further studies should address the issue of external barriers to supply chain management in public higher education institutions.

Contributors

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains and caused widespread shortages of healthcare supplies. This mixed-methods study examined the management of supply shortages in Swedish hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The key findings are that the shortage of supplies was initially severe owing to low regional and national contingency inventory levels, a lack of knowledge of supply chain management, and cost-saving measures. The perceived consequences of the shortage of personal protective equipment persisted in emergency and inpatient departments, in the later waves. Although pharmaceutical shortages later decreased, hospital managers were disappointed that they persisted. This study also highlights the effectiveness of consensus-based hourly supply agreements between service organisations and unit managers, which makes the prioritisation of the limited supply more dynamic. Despite these challenges, hospitals were able to adapt to the supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic; however, the results emphasise the importance of preparedness for future pandemics.

An efficient supply chain will bring huge benefits to enterprises, such as integrating resources, reducing logistics costs, improving logistics efficiency, and improving the overall service level. Supply chain management can significant decrease the costs of the stocks and the physical distribution wealth flows, so as to improve customer satisfaction and improve the capacity of enterprises. Inventory management is an important part of supply chain management. Safety inventory is to reduce the loss caused by inventory shortage in the supply chain. Setting up safety inventory is an important part of inventory management. In this paper, back propagation neural network (BPNN) is used to study the safety inventory prediction problem of supply chain with uncertainty. And to address the defects of BP neural network, using genetic algorithm to enhance it. Firstly, a BP predictive neural network trained by genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to predict the future inventory changes of external suppliers. Secondly, through data analysis, several groups of data factors which have great influence on inventory are selected, in addition, the network is also trained, thereby the future inventory variation tendency can be obtained by GA-BP neural network. Finally, a company’s inventory data is introduced, the effectiveness of the method is verified by simulation results.