The performance impact of supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability: the moderating effect of product complexity

Even though research has suggested that supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability are distinct capabilities, little is known about their performance effects and about the contextual conditions under which they are effective. Based on a sample of 143 German firms, we empirically investigate the effects of supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability on cost performance and operational performance using hierarchical regression analysis. We ground our investigation in the dynamic capabilities view and contingency theory. We find that supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability positively affect both cost performance and operational performance. We further find evidence for a mediating role of supply chain agility in the links between supply chain adaptability and performance. Product complexity positively moderates the links between supply chain adaptability and cost performance, and supply chain adaptability and operational performance. The results contribute to the literature by offering a more nuanced understanding of the performance implications of supply chain agility and supply chain adaptability, thereby addressing the crucial question of why their benefits may or may not materialise under varying levels of product complexity.     

Antecedents and enablers of supply chain agility and its effect on performance: a dynamic capabilities perspective

This paper investigates the fundamental building blocks of supply chain agility, which are conceptualised as supply- and demand-side competence. While the former refers to production and supply management related activities, the latter refers to distribution and demand management related activities. The model further assesses the influence of supply chain agility on operational performance, as well as its mediating role in the relationship between supply- and demand-side competence and performance. Within this framework, process compliance, i.e. how well supply chain management processes are internally executed by the firm's employees, is viewed as an enabler (moderator) on the relationship between supply chain competencies and supply chain agility. Theoretical substantiation is provided by the resource-based view of the firm augmented with the dynamic capabilities perspective. The model is tested with data from 121 supply chain management professionals. Implications for both academic theory development and supply chain and production management practice are provided.     

基于价值链的汽车产业供应链协同管理分析

汽车产业供应链协同管理的关键是鉴别供应链的低效及其原因.通过对汽车产业供应链现状的分析,提出了由敏捷性和速度驱动的汽车产业供应链协同管理的价值链模型,并以上海某汽车制造企业为核心的汽车行业供应链为例证明了基于价值链的供应链协同管理在实践中给供应商、制造商以及供应链整体带来的收益和竞争优势,从而说明汽车产业基于价值链的供应链协同管理是一种有效的管理模式.     

Key manufacturing capability elements and business performance

The purpose of this research was to extend the recent stream of work in operations strategy on the trade-off and cumulative models of manufacturing capability development. Using results from the 1996 Manufacturing Futures Survey, the paper attempts to test whether pursuing more capabilities (the cumulative model) is reflected in improved return on assets. We consider both industry and country effects. Firms with performance in the upper quartile on a capability are described as 'high' performers and the number of times a firm achieves this level represents the number of capability elements that they have. The results show no evidence of the cumulative model. Quality and delivery capabilities are nevertheless strongly evident. Simply adding more capabilities generally produced no improvement in return on assets. Stepwise regression of ROA on the capabilities produced models with good explanatory power in some countries and industries though not all capabilities loaded. When interactions between capability elements were added to the regression models, results were mixed. In some cases, no interactions loaded, while in others, large increases in adjusted R 2 occurred, particularly in industry models.     

Evaluation of agility in supply chains using multi-grade fuzzy approach

Modern business organisations recognise agility in supply chains to be a vital strategy for survival in a competitive scenario. The assessment of agility in supply chains is quite important as it is an indicator of strategic agile position. There exists a need for evaluating agility in supply chains for the case organisation. This study begins by developing a conceptual model for evaluation. This is followed by gathering single factor assessment vector and weights by experts. Then multi-grade fuzzy approach has been used for the evaluation of agility in the supply chain. The evaluation exercise indicated that the case organisation is agile; but still there exist chances for improving the agility level. Then the weaker areas have been identified and the improvement proposals have been implemented. The implementation result indicated that there is a significant improvement in the agility level of the case organisation.     

Strategic supply chain management issues in the automotive industry: an Australian perspective

The automotive manufacturing industry is an extremely competitive one. Many companies are focusing on their supply chains for sources of competitive advantage. This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study that examined contemporary issues related to supply chains in the Australian automotive manufacturing industry. Data from interviews with managers from vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, peak industry bodies and government agencies enabled the articulation of 10 key issues. These issues were validated as being relevant to the industry by another group of managers from the industry. Review of these 10 issues showed that the relationships between the parties in supply chains are complex, and despite the success of the industry, there are a number of structural weaknesses. These issues, when taken individually, pose significant risks to the industry. When considered collectively, these risks are magnified several fold. This paper also presents research questions in the form of formal propositions associated with the 10 issues that need to be rigorously tested in order to assess the long-term viability and success of the industry. The issues that are raised can also be relevant to other industries with similar supply chain dynamics.     

Maintenance strategy for tilting table of rolling mill based on reliability considerations

Reliability centred maintenance (RCM) is a new strategic framework for ensuring that any asset continues to perform, as its users want it to perform. RCM is a process used to determine the maintenance requirement of any physical asset in its operating context. RCM process entails asking seven questions about each of the selected assets. It makes use of two documents namely, RCM information worksheet and RCM decision worksheet. RCM decision diagram integrates all the decision processes into a single strategic framework. RCM concept developed by US commercial airlines industry has been successfully implemented by Military, Navy, Nuclear power plants, electric power generation and distribution undertakings and several other sectors. These projects have been carried out in the United Kingdom, The Republic of Ireland, the United States, Hong Kong, Australia, Spain and Singapore. The fact that people has enthusiastically received RCM at all levels and has enabled users to achieve some remarkable successes in all of these countries, suggests that it can be universally employed. Literature review indicates that RCM approach is not conventionally applied in process industries in India. Presently, predictive maintenance (PDM) approach along with conventional preventive maintenance is used in continuous/process industries. This approach if implemented in totality will increase the production cost to a large degree and make the production uneconomical. Similarly breakdown maintenance (BDM) approach cannot be applied in such industries as each breakdown involves huge costs. RCM approach is a compromise between PDM and BDM approach for optimising the cost and ensuring the availability of machine.The RCM approach has been applied to the tilting table system of rolling mill for the research work reported in this paper. In the present study, preventive maintenance tasks suggested for power transmission subsystem, guiding and transportation subsystem and hydraulic subsystem in tilting tables are 14 scheduled on-condition tasks, 10 scheduled on-restoration tasks, seven scheduled discard task. Whereas for 14 failure modes no scheduled maintenance has been proposed. Existing maintenance schedule for tilting tables indicates the maintenance action as and when required. Hence RCM based schedule specifies that additional preventive maintenance tasks need to be executed as compared to none initially. Cost incurred for this can be offset from the savings accrued from reduction in loss of production due to repetitive breakdowns. The methodology of RCM adopted in western industries cannot be applied as it is to Indian industries because of labour oriented nature, partially computerised information systems, non-availability of the information about cost of loss of production due to breakdown and age-reliability pattern of equipment, insufficient maintenance database. These problems can be overcome by development of sound MMIS, formulation of RCM review group and imparting suitable training to acquire the relevant skills in RCM. Thus RCM methodology can be applied to Indian industry for reduction of breakdowns as well as optimisation of preventive maintenance cost. This can further boost up the prospects of Indian industry to offer the products at globally competitive prices.     

Pressure analysis for green supply chain management implementation in Indian industries using analytic hierarchy process

Due to growing awareness about environment protection, firms are forced to implement environmental practices to enhance their green image. In recent times, academicians and practitioners have shown interest in green marketing and green supply chain management (GSCM). Fields of green branding and sustainability have seen special interest from different business disciplines including information management, marketing, supply chain management, etc. Due to economical and ecological impact, there is a growing concern for the environment and related critical issues. Pressure on the environment is dynamic and diverse, and demands new levels of accountability, financial commitment and supply chain capabilities. Indian manufacturing industries have started adopting green concepts in their supply chain management giving special attention to environmental issues based on pressures from different directions, e.g. customer pressure, government regulations etc. Yet, industries struggle hard to identify essential pressures for implementation of GSCM. This work focuses mainly on identifying such pressures for implementation of GSCM. Initially 65 pressures were identified through detailed literature and categorised into six groups. Then common acceptable pressures were identified through a questionnaire survey from different industrial sectors in Phase 1. Finally, essential pressures are prioritised with the help of analytic hierarchy process in Phase 2.     

供应链管理的敏捷性研究

面对顾客需求的不确定性及市场的易变性，企业必须站在供应链的高度来应对这种变化，同时供应链的敏捷性也是适应这种环境的必备特征。通过对供应链敏捷性概念、特征及敏捷战略研究，提出了提升供应链敏捷性的若干途径。     

Dynamic modelling of surge effect and capacity limitation in supply chains

Agile manufacturing has been defined as the capability of reacting to unpredictable market changes in a cost-effective way, simultaneously prospering from the uncertainty. In many industries, vigorously changing markets are demanding more differentiated products in lower volumes and within shorter delivery times. An uncertain environment challenges the response of supply chains. This paper demonstrates, by using a system dynamic simulation, how agility is built into supply chains. Three simulation models are analysed: first, the demand magnification effect in supply chain is studied. Secondly, the analysis is extended to capacity surge effects. Finally, the trade-off between capacity utilization and lead times is discussed. The analysis recommends smaller order sizes, echelon synchronization and capacity analysis as methods of improving the responsiveness of a supply chain. Evidence is provided from simulation runs and established literature. All three models are system dynamics based replications of well-known effects from the research area of production control.     

经济性考量下的供应链产品设计策略

目的 探究新的产业模式下符合经济性原则的供应链产品设计方法,帮助企业通过有效的产品设计策略,实现降本增效,提升市场竞争力。方法 以产品设计的经济性为主脉,以经济效益最大化为目标导向,采用了案例分析、文献研究和经验总结等方法。结果 总结了供应链产业体系下产品设计需求导向性、主从关联性、系统协调性的新特点,确立了供应链协作背景下产品设计标准化、模块化、平台化的基本策略,分析了3种设计策略之间的相互关系。结论 供应链协作是制造业发展的必然趋势,产品设计作为产业链的源头,必须要从经济性的角度与供应链相互配合,才能符合市场和企业的需求。     

精敏供应链的综述及展望

系统回顾了供应链策略从精益、敏捷到精敏的发展历程;从降低供应链运作及管理的复杂度考虑,提出子供应链的概念并分析了精益与敏捷子供应链如何串、并行集成为精敏模式及相应的优势;最后展望了进一步的研究方向.     

Optimizing 3PL service delivery using a cost-to-serve and action research framework

Full spectrum visibility and real-time management of increasingly complex, high-velocity operations will be the landmark practices of supply chain management in the twenty-first century. Integrating various business processes across functions is at the heart of supply chain management. As we survey the landscape, we can identify two sets of converging forces and newly emerging capabilities that will shape the way supply chains will develop in the near future. The first issue deals with the rapid rise of global third party logistics (3PL) companies that manage entire supply chains. The second issue has to do with how supply chain organizations plan and budget for a process of change, while simultaneously maintaining focus on full supply chain costs using a method known as the cost-to-serve (CSM) method. It is precisely these two issues that we address in this paper. Our first objective is to document the research conducted by the authors in the offshore oil and gas exploration and production industry. Our second objective is to use the CSM method to identify relevant cost drivers of 3PL services by nesting within an action research approach that pinpoints relevant operational constraints. The third objective is to use the action research framework and CSM to model various cost elements that could be incorporated into the objective function of a mathematical programming model. We compared the current design to the optimal design that we obtained from the model, and performed cost-benefit analysis to show the superiority of our procedure.     

Agile supply chain strategy and supply chain performance: complementary roles of supply chain practices and information systems capability for agility

The paper examines the mediating effect of supply chain (SC) practices on the relationship between agile supply chain (ASC) strategy and SC performance. It further examines the moderating effect of information systems (IS) capability for agility on this mediated relationship. Using the theoretical lenses of complementarity and the information processing view of the supply chain, we hypothesise that strategic supplier partnership, customer relationship, postponement and lean practices, mediate the relationship between ASC strategy and SC performance. We further hypothesise that IS capability for agility moderates each of these mediated relationships. We empirically test the hypotheses using survey data from members of senior and executive management in the logistics/supply chain functions of 205 firms. The paper contributes to the literature on ASCs by theoretically explaining and empirically demonstrating how SC practices and IS capability for agility act together to effect a positive relationship between ASC strategy and supply chain performance.     

Circular supply chains in emerging economies – a comparative study of packaging recovery ecosystems in China and Brazil

This paper provides a circular supply chain perspective of packaging recovery ecosystems being implemented by Tetra Pak, a prime global player in the food packaging industry, in two major emerging economies: China and Brazil. The circular supply chain archetype considered in the research allowed a consistent comparative analysis of Tetra Pak's circular supply chains in both countries. Through a case study approach, the research provides theoretical propositions and learning points that are valuable for academics and practitioners interested in the Chinese and Brazilian markets as well as in the supply chains supporting recovery ecosystems in the packaging industry. In particular, the distinct environments in the Chinese and Brazilian markets render Tetra Pak opportunities to design circular supply chains in different ways showing adaptation and learning to local market characteristics. The industrial perspectives from these emerging economies add to the contributions offered in the paper. Overall, the conceptual considerations and practical recommendations presented in the paper provide useful insights for the development of further studies and implementation of industrial practices advocated by the circular economy.     

精益与敏捷集成的供应链

市场竞争迫使制造企业运用精益思想降低成本,但顾客需求越来越个性化,要求快速响应．需要企业具备敏捷性。本文通过简单模型和案例,分析精益与敏捷相集成的优势和运作模式。从产品需求模式看,精益供应链与标准化产品、功能性产品匹配,敏捷供应链与定制化产品、创新性产品相匹配。从产品模块化设计以及全球供应考虑,精益与敏捷集成的供应链是最有效的选择。     

Digital twin-driven smart supply chain

Today’s supply chain is becoming complex and fragile. Hence, supply chain managers need to create and unlock the value of the smart supply chain. A smart supply chain requires connectivity, visibility, and agility, and it needs be integrated and intelligent. The digital twin (DT) concept satisfies these requirements. Therefore, we propose creating a DT-driven supply chain (DTSC) as an innovative and integrated solution for the smart supply chain. We provide background information to explain the DT concept and to demonstrate the method for building a DTSC by using the DT concept. We discuss three research opportunities in building a DTSC, including supply chain modeling, real-time supply chain optimization, and data usage in supply chain collaboration. Finally, we highlight a motivating case from JD.COM, China’s largest retailer by revenue, in applying the DTSC platform to address supply chain network reconfiguration challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Synchronized strategy to minimize vehicle dispatching time:a real example of steel industry

Time compression in supply chains is a crucial aspect involved in the integration of warehousing and transport operations in the manufacturing industries.Supply chain flows could be interrupted due to many sources of delays that lead to additional time in dispatching process and reduction in customer service level.The problem considered in this paper consists of long waiting times of loading vehicles inside the plant.This work presents a simulation-based study to minimize vehicle dispatching time in a steel wire plant.Value stream map is developed to present a system perspective of processes involved in the overall supply chain.Process activity mapping is completed to provide a step by step analysis of activities involved in the vehicle dispatch process.A simulation model is developed for the system and a new model is proposed to improve the delivery performance by minimizing vehicles' waiting time.     

A synchronized strategy to minimize vehicle dispatching time: a real example of steel industry

Time compression in supply chains is a crucial aspect involved in the integration of warehousing and transport operations in the manufacturing industries. Supply chain flows could be interrupted due to many sources of delays that lead to additional time in dispatching process and reduction in customer service level. The problem considered in this paper consists of long waiting times of loading vehicles inside the plant. This work presents a simulation-based study to minimize vehicle dispatching time in a steel wire plant. Value stream map is developed to present a system perspective of processes involved in the overall supply chain. Process activity mapping is completed to provide a step by step analysis of activities involved in the vehicle dispatch process. A simulation model is developed for the system and a new model is proposed to improve the delivery performance by minimizing vehicles’ waiting time.