Implementing Traceability Systems in Specific Supply Chain Management (SCM) through Critical Success Factors (CSFs)

Achieving resilience through knowledge management practices and risk management culture in agri-food supply chains

The problems with the current food distribution system are laid forth in this study. Getting high-quality agricultural and food products to consumers is the goal of what is known as the "agri-food supply chain." Agri-food supply chain knowledge exchange and risk management culture are being studied, as is the effect of supply chain management methods on business success. We are seeing an increase in the regularity of supply chain interruptions. The recent supply chain interruptions and their associated consequences highlight the necessity for robust supply systems. The primary goal of this research is to examine the interplay between critical antecedents of the agri-food supply chain; supply chain resilience (including risk management culture); supply chain connectivity, visibility, collaboration, and agility; and the effect these factors have on supply chain resilience and, ultimately, firm performance. With the same foundational elements and backing from the literature, an empirical model has been suggested. From September 2020 to June 2021, 245 random samples were collected throughout Indonesia for this investigation. The suggested model and the interdependencies among the crucial antecedents have been verified using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings from this study support the notion that agri-food supply chains benefit from increased emphasis on traceability, transparency, information sharing, and a culture of risk management. One major takeaway from this study is that by adopting the suggested methodology, businesses may build and strengthen their supply chain resilience capabilities by institutionalizing a risk management culture, raising employee risk awareness, and holding regular risk assessment drills. The study also suggests that businesses that want to strengthen their supply chains can do so by adopting information and communications technologies and visibility tools to improve their supply chain connectivity and visibility, allowing them to respond to and recover from disruptions in the supply chain more quickly. The model is validated using data from Indonesia's industrial sector. In order to establish supply chain resilience, the suggested model provides a comprehensive perspective that defines the interconnections between key antecedents. We conclude with some thoughts and suggestions for further study.

Unveiling the role of supply chain parameters approved by blockchain technology towards firm performance through trust: The moderating role of government support

This research study aims to reveal the role of supply chain parameters approved by blockchain technology toward firm performance through trust. This study has also examined the moderating role of government support between trust and firm performance. The underlying theories reinforce the usefulness and flexibility of a supply chain in regulating daily fluctuations and uncertainties in supply and demand. Blockchain technology adoption with supply chain tactics provides a more suitable environment for better firm performance. Governments address legal and security concerns related to blockchain technology and provide clear guidelines and standards for its use in supply chains, which build trust among firms and stakeholders. A conceptual model has been developed with the assistance of past empirical research studies and associated theories. This research study has examined the following relationships from a sample of 465 employees from textile industrial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The current research study assesses these parameters using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The analysis showed that supply chain parameters (alignment, agility, adaptability) approved by blockchain technology positively correlate with firm performance. Trust positively mediated the relationship between supply chain parameters approved by blockchain technology and firm performance. Furthermore, government support positively moderated the relationship between trust and firm performance. The study would provide directions for further research. These findings will give the global supply chain industry valuable insights into blockchain technology for firm performance. In theory, this research study would contribute to the scientific literature by answering how trust and government support affect the overall firm performance.

Investigation of industry 4.0 technologies mediating effect on the supply chain performance and supply chain management practices

The aim of the present article purposefully explores how industry 4.0 may alter conventional methods of administration by performance of supply chain. Nowadays, the business activities/processes have been raised and all are directly associated with industrial revolution. Industry 4.0 acts as a go-between for improved supply chain efficiency and more traditional forms of logistics management. Discovering the transformative effects of industry 4.0 on supply chain management by reading on, however, SCM practices, this study considers the questioner-based data from September 2021 to March 2022 for China economy. Interestingly, the findings of structural equation model (SEM) describe the supportive response of revolution (the fourth industrial revolution) to supply chain management in the previously described field. The consequences of this research argue that the supportive role of technological progress in industrial revolution brings efficient supply chain management. Moreover, the performance indicators under the supply chain work well due to significant progress in industry 4.0. In concluding remarks, such types of advanced technologies serve as an intermediate between the management and practices of supply chain. However, the results provide light on the basic principles behind the success. In addition, these technologies make it possible to significantly improve the performance by allowing process unification, mechanization, and automation and introducing innovative analytic capabilities and supply chain operations including procurement, production, and inventory management, and marketing may work together more efficiently. Some of these processes include marketing, inventory management, and procurement. These improvements are attainable through the implementation of innovative scientific capabilities.

Blockchain-Based Traceability System to Support the Indonesian Halal Supply Chain Ecosystem

The halal industry is constantly developing into a broader concept of the Islamic economy, an economic activity that follows the Islamic-based principle. As a populous Muslim country, Indonesia follows the growth trend by aiming to dominate the global halal market. The strategy is to improve the current halal assurance process. Presently, the technology and procedure do not provide enough process transparency, traceability, and granularity of information. To achieve the strategic goal, a technological change is needed. A new emerging technology, blockchain, may potentially answer the challenge. This study’s first objective is to discuss improving the current assurance practice in the Indonesian halal supply chain ecosystem, particularly in the meat industry. The second objective is to construct a traceability system model for the supply chain. Our goal is to propose a blockchain-based halal traceability system model. The model can be enhanced to be a national standard tool to develop the economy towards a sustainable supply chain.

New Schemes for Investment in of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises of China: Role of Access to Finance, Innovation, and Sustainability

Firm innovation relies heavily on financing, which is why it is a hot topic in the fields of finance and innovation management. Organizations can make strategic investments in production factors to develop competitive advantages because they have access to financial resources. This study investigated how financial literacy, innovativeness, and environmental sustainability influence the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This was set as the primary objective in order to better understand the nature of the impact of financial literacy and innovation on the sustainability of SME firms. To test the hypotheses, structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied using data collected from 300 small businesses firms in China. The results revealed that financial literacy and innovativeness significantly influence small firms’ sustainability. Additionally, social inclusion significantly affects small firms’ sustainability, and sequentially has a significant effect on their performance. Research findings suggested that small businesses incorporate sustainability models into their operations and enhance financial knowledge in order to maintain sustainability.

Halal Food Sustainability between Certification and Blockchain: A Review

Islam is the second-largest religion on a global scale. All around the world Muslims are estimated to comprise more than 1.9 billion people. Therefore, the demand for Halal commodities is expected to reach a high growth rate: thus, it is crucial to increase its global market’s reliability and traceability. Based on these grounds, the scope of this paper is to assess Halal food sustainability, examining the barriers and opportunities offered by the certification and blockchain tools. To this purpose, the authors carried out an integrative literature review, selecting 54 contributions in the Web of Science platform. Despite several limitations, such as the lack of a standardized framework or universally accepted and reliable certifying authorities, the implementation of blockchain technology has emerged as an interesting instrument to increase the trustworthiness and traceability of Halal foods. This tool could also help the development of protocols and standard procedures, ensuring hygienic and permitted products that may boost food safety and security. Besides, the enhancement of the Halal certification and the blockchain tool, even if several efforts are required in terms of innovation and cooperation by local authorities, industrial associations and leading consumers, could enhance fair trade, ethical business, green animal breeding and environmental economics, and hence sustainable development.

Critical Success Factors for Supply Chain Sustainability in the Wood Industry: An Integrated PCA-ISM Model

Due to the increasing popularity of cost-based outsourcing and growing stakeholder concern about environmental, social, and technological issues, supply chain sustainability is vital in both developed and emerging economies. Bangladesh is an emerging economy and wood industry of Bangladesh is suffering from severe sustainability issues besides its growth. Hence, this article aims to examine the critical success factors (CSFs) for sustainability in the Bangladeshi wood industry, which is crucial to help supply chain managers engage in achieving sustainable development goals. This research investigated the CSFs and uncovered their interdependencies through the development of a methodology integrating a literature review, principal component analysis (PCA), interpretive structural modelling (ISM), and Matriced Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquee aunClassement (MICMAC) techniques. PCA (n = 150) was used to identify and rank the CSFs for sustainability in the Bangladeshi wood industry while ISM (n = 9) and MICMAC were used to determine the driving and dependence power of the CSFs. The findings reveal that research and development, supplier relations, and using eco-friendly technology are the most significant CSFs of the Bangladeshi wood industry. Indispensable links revealing the driving and dependence power among the CSFs were also reported. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that examined the CSFs for supply chain sustainability in the Bangladeshi wood industry. The proposed methodology and findings will help managers in the Bangladeshi wood industry as well as other similar industries to understand the CSFs and reduce the complexity of decision-making in managing business process towards sustainability journey.

Blockchain Technology for Enhancing Traceability and Efficiency in Automobile Supply Chain—A Case Study

A robust traceability system would help organizations in inventory optimization reduce lead time and improve customer service and quality which further enables the organizations to be a leader in their industry sector. This research study analyzes the challenges faced by the automotive industry in its supply chain operations. Further, the traceability issues and waiting time at different nodes of the supply chain are considered to be priority issues that affect the overall supply chain efficiency in the automotive supply chain. After studying the existing blockchain architectures and their implementation methodology, this study proposes a new blockchain-based architecture to improve traceability and reduce waiting time for the automotive supply chain. A hyper ledger fabric-based blockchain architecture is developed to track the ownership transfers in inbound and outbound logistics. The simulation results of the proposed hyper ledger fabric-based blockchain architecture show that there is an improvement in the traceability of items at different nodes of the supply chain that enhances the Inventory Quality Ratio (IQR) and the mean waiting time is reduced at the factory, wholesaler, and retailer, which thereby improves the overall supply chain efficiency. The blockchain embedded supply chain is more capable to eliminate the risks and uncertainties associated with the automotive supply chain. The benefits of adopting blockchain technology in the automotive supply chain are also described. The developed blockchain-based framework is capable to get more visibility into goods movement and inventory status in automotive supply chains.

Assessing the role of industry 4.0 for enhancing swift trust and coordination in humanitarian supply chain

Unpredictable natural and man-made disasters highlight importance of humanitarian supply chain (HSC) to serve people and affected areas. The main challenges of applying effective relief operations are creating "swift trust" and "coordination" between aid organizations. Implementation of Industry 4.0 facilitates coordination and swift trust within HSC performance. The study intends to assess the readiness status of swift trust and coordination between stakeholders as well as to recommend the most suitable Industry 4.0 tools for improving relief operations. Firstly, a comprehensive set of critical success factors for implementing Industry 4.0 tools are introduced. The factors are categorized into limited groups using Exploratory Factor Analysis. In the next step, hierarchy fuzzy expert system is designed for assessing the readiness status of swift trust and coordination as well as to suggest the most suitable Industry 4.0 tool for enhancing HSC performance within given case study. The framework was applied for three aid organizations to address the pandemic disease in Iran. The outcome denotes that the organization has the highest readiness in logistic and transparency while information quality received the lowest readiness value. In addition to that, the organization should invest on the development of Industry 4.0 enablers including "Internet of Things and Big Data Analytics". The study extends organizational information process theory within HSC for reaching competitive advantage by information processing. The study suggests theoretical and practical implications by introducing a comprehensive set of critical success factors for implementation of Industry 4.0 and providing practical advice for enhancing HSC performance.

Critical Success Factors and Traceability Technologies for Establishing a Safe Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

Drug counterfeits have been an international issue for almost two decades, and the latest statistics show that fake medications will continue to penetrate legitimate pharmaceutical supply chains (PSCs). Therefore, identifying the issues faced by PSCs is essential to combat the counterfeit drug problem, which will require the implementation of technologies in various phases of the PSC to gain better visibility. In this regard, a literature review was conducted to fulfill the following objectives: (i) review the application of traceability technologies in various PSC phases to detect counterfeits; (ii) analyze the various barriers affecting the establishment of a safe PSC and the critical success factors used to overcome those barriers; and (iii) develop a conceptual framework and guidelines to demonstrate the influence of traceability technologies and success factors on overcoming the various barriers in different phases of the PSC. The major finding of this review was that traceability technologies and the critical success factors have a significant influence on overcoming the barriers to establishing a safe PSC.

Internet of Things adoption barriers in the Indian healthcare supply chain: An ISM-fuzzy MICMAC approach

Internet of things (IoT) plays a significant role in offering a wide range of benefits to the healthcare supply chain. It improves the quality of patient care, reduces the cost of medical procedures, maintaining flawless operations and supports clinical decisions. Despite strong policy interest and vast potential benefits of IoT in the healthcare supply chain, the actual adoption rate is relatively low and it's in the nascent stage in developing countries like India. The objective of this paper is to identify and analyze the potential barriers which would restrain the healthcare industry from adopting IoT. Based on the review of the literature and brainstorming with experts from industry and academia, 14 barriers were identified for IoT adoption. The contextual relationship between the identified barriers was developed using interpretive structural modeling and the obtained results were used as input to fuzzy MICMAC analysis to determine the driving and dependence power of the IoT adoption barriers. From the result, Legal and regulatory standards, Lack of IT Infrastructure are major barriers influencing the adoption of IoT in the healthcare supply chain. The findings will support the decision-makers to understand the contextual relationship between the IoT adoption barriers in the Indian healthcare supply chain.

Third Party Certification of Agri-Food Supply Chain Using Smart Contracts and Blockchain Tokens

Every consumer's buying decision at the supermarket influences food brands to make first party claims of sustainability and socially responsible farming methods on their agro-product labels. Fine wines are often subject to counterfeit along the supply chain to the consumer. This paper presents a method for efficient unrestricted publicity to third party certification (TPC) of plant agricultural products, starting at harvest, using smart contracts and blockchain tokens. The method is capable of providing economic incentives to the actors along the supply chain. A proof-of-concept using a modified Ethereum IGR token set of smart contracts using the ERC-1155 standard NFTs was deployed on the Rinkeby test net and evaluated. The main findings include (a) allowing immediate access to TPC by the public for any desired authority by using token smart contracts. (b) Food safety can be enhanced through TPC visible to consumers through mobile application and blockchain technology, thus reducing counterfeiting and green washing. (c) The framework is structured and maintained because participants obtain economic incentives thus leveraging it´s practical usage. In summary, this implementation of TPC broadcasting through tokens can improve transparency and sustainable conscientious consumer behaviour, thus enabling a more trustworthy supply chain transparency.

Examining the link between Halal supply chain management and sustainability

Purpose

Halal supply chain management (HSCM) is an emerging research area and is in the early stage of evolution. This study aims to identify 11 critical factors towards effective management of a Halal supply chain (HSC) and provides a framework for the HSCM by evaluating Halal practices' impact on sustainability performance measures empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire-based survey has been carried out to collect data for analysis. The statistical analysis is accomplished by exploiting merits of factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The results imply that out of 11 critical factors, nine factors on effective management of the HSC are statistically significant, and impacts of two critical factors are positive but statistically insignificant. In the structural model, the path coefficient of all success indicators are positive and statistically significant. In terms of the path coefficient of sustainable performance measures of HSC, all three dimensions, economic, environmental and social, are positive and statistically significant.

Research limitations/implications

The research extends Halal and supply chain management's literature by proposing Halal as a standard quality control system, as it focuses on wholesome consumption. Effective management of the HSC is positively related to the firms' sustainable performance, thus helping managers make the organisation sustainable in the long term.

Practical implications

The research extends the literature of Halal and supply chain management by proposing Halal as a standard quality control system, which focuses on wholesome consumption. Effective management of the HSC is positively related to the sustainable performance of the firms, thus helps managers in making the organisation sustainable in the long term.

Originality/value

The result of the study underlines that sustainable performance measures are embedded in HSCM. This research develops a new paradigm in the research of HSCM and sustainability.

Risk management in Halal supply chain: an integrated fuzzy Delphi and DEMATEL approach

Purpose

In a globalised environment, market volatility makes risk management an essential component of the supply chain. Similar to conventional supply chains, a Halal supply chain (HSC) is also affected by several factors making it vulnerable to risks. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify and analyse the elements of Halal supply chain management (HSCM) and their significant risk dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 72 risk elements of HSCM are identified through a review of contemporary scientific literature along with news items and official websites related to risk management of conventional supply chain management, HSC and sustainable supply chain. Further, 42 risk elements are finalised using fuzzy Delphi and then these risk elements are categorised into 7 dimensions. The interrelationships among the risk dimensions as well as risk elements are developed using fuzzy DEMATEL.

Findings

Results suggest that production, planning, logistic & outsourcing and information technology-related risk are prominent risk dimensions. The causal relationships among the significant risk dimensions and elements related to the HSCM may help managers and policy planners.

Research limitations/implications

This study faces a challenge due to inadequate availability of the literature related to risk management in the area of HSCM. Further, this study has used inputs from experts, which can be biased.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, it is the first comprehensive study towards investigating the interrelationships among the risks in the context of the HSCM.

Research status in Halal: a review and bibliometric analysis

Purpose

Halal is an emerging business sector and is steadily gaining popularity among scholars and practitioners. The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate and review the reported literature in the broad area of Halal using bibliometric technique and network analysis tools. Moreover, this paper also proposes future research directions in the field of Halal.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employed a systematic review technique followed by bibliometric analysis to gain insight and to evaluate the research area associated with Halal. Furthermore, data mining techniques are used for analysing the concerned article title, keywords and abstract of 946 research articles obtained through the Scopus database. Finally, network analysis is used to identify significant research clusters.

Findings

This study reports top authors contributing to this area, the key sub-research areas and the influential works based on citations and PageRank. We identified from the citation analysis that major influential works of Halal are from the subject area of biological science and related areas. Further, this study reports established and emerging research clusters, which provide future research directions.

Research limitations/implications

Scopus database is used to conduct a systematic review and corresponding bibliometric study; the authors might have missed some peer-reviewed studies not reported in Scopus. The selection of keywords for article search may not be accurate for the multi-disciplinary Halal area. Also, the authors have not considered the banking/financial aspects of Halal. The proposed four research clusters may inform potential researcher towards supporting the industry.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study is that no published study has reported the bibliometric study and network analysis techniques in the area of Halal.

Critical Success Factors of a Drug Traceability System for Creating Value in a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain (PSC)

The general objective of this study was to identify and prioritize the critical success factors required for the adoption of a system to create value for pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders, and the pharmaceutical supply network as a whole, by using a multi-perspective framework that combines elements of the technology-organization-environment (TOE) contexts for enterprises. The methodology is based on a literature review and expert interviews following the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). This paper identifies and prioritizes 18 critical success factors from three categories: technological, organizational, and environmental. From a practical point of view, this research contributes to the literature by providing expert insight on the topic of drug traceability, especially in terms of how possible values can be captured by companies.

IGR Token-Raw Material and Ingredient Certification of Recipe Based Foods Using Smart Contracts

The use of smart contracts and blockchain tokens to implement a consumer trustworthy ingredient certification scheme for commingled foods, i.e., recipe based, food products is described. The proposed framework allows ingredients that carry any desired property (including social or environmental customer perceived value) to be certified by any certification authority, at the moment of harvest or extraction, using the IGR Ethereum token. The mechanism involves the transfer of tokens containing the internet url published at the authority’s web site from the farmer all along the supply chain to the final consumer at each transfer of custody of the ingredient using the Cricital Tracking Event/Key Data Elements (CTE/KDE) philosophy of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). This allows the end consumer to easily inspect and be assured of the origin of the ingredient by means of a mobile application. A successful code implementation of the framework was deployed, tested and is running as a beta version on the Ethereum live blockchain as the IGR token. The main contribution of the framework is the possibility to ensure the true origin of any instance or lot of ingredient within a recipe to the customer, without harming the food processor legitimate right to protect its recipes and suppliers.

Evaluation of barriers in the adoption of halal certification: a fuzzy DEMATEL approach

Purpose

Higher level of customer satisfaction for halal products can be achieved by the effective adoption of halal certification through assessment and accreditation (HCAA). There are certain issues that seem detrimental towards the adoption of HCAA. The purpose of this paper is to identify the major barriers towards the adoption of HCAA and evaluate inter-relationships among them for developing the strategies to mitigate these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

The barriers towards the adoption of HCAA are identified through an integrative approach of literature review and expert’s opinion. The inter-relationship among the identified barriers is evaluated using fuzzy-based decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) technique, which categorises them into influential and influenced group.

Findings

The evaluation of inter-relationship among barriers using fuzzy DEMATEL indicates four influencing barriers and six influenced barriers towards the adoption of HCAA. Further, findings suggest an extensive government, and management support is vital in terms of commitment, resources and actions to realise the benefits attributed with HCAA.

Research limitations/implications

The inter-relationship among barriers is contextual and based on the perception of experts which may be biased as per their background and area of expertise. This study pertains to a specific region and can be extended to the generalised certification system.

Originality/value

The empirical base of the research provides the inter-relationship among the barriers towards the adoption of HCAA which can be effectively used as input in the decision-making process by producers, manufacturers and distributor. The policy maker can analyse the cause group and effect group of barriers to formulate policies that would help in the adoption of HCAA.

Using integrated weighted IRP-Fuzzy TISM approach towards evaluation of initiatives to harmonise Halal standards

Purpose

Multiplicity and conflicting Halal standards involve unnecessary repetition of testing for demonstrating the Halal integrity of the process and the product, thus making it difficult for the Halal commodities to get traction in international markets. The purpose of this paper is to suggest initiatives to facilitate harmonisation of Halal standards as to eliminate trade barrier of Halal and to assure the availability of Halal consumables to larger masses.

Design/methodology/approach

Ranking of the initiatives for the harmonisation of Halal standards taking in consideration the costs of accomplishment and associated benefits obtained has been done through the application of integrated Interpretive Ranking Process (IRP) and Fuzzy Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (Fuzzy TISM). This integrated methodology with the weighted criteria have refined the value of the net dominance of different variables, thereby increasing the efficacy of IRP in decision making.

Findings

Findings suggest that strengthening the strategic coordination and collaboration among competent HCBs is a significant initiative. This initiative needs to be undertaken to mitigate the conflict between HCBs. This necessitates to develop a common platform in making the collective decision for effectively controlling Halal businesses. Moreover, recognising competent HCBs will prompt the effective implementation and execution of Halal standards across the supply chain, and ease the global trading of Halal products. A framework has been conceptualised to enable harmonisation of Halal standards which intimates to develop globally agreed protocols for Halal practices.

Practical implications

The framework presented may act as a prelude to harmonise Halal standards and may positively affect the international trade of Halal commodities by phasing out the discriminatory and market-impeding standards.

Originality/value

A harmonised system may provide correct information to the stakeholders and may help in making an informed decision.

A Study of Supply Chain Risk in the Brazilian Wind Power Projects by Interpretive Structural Modeling and MICMAC Analysis

This paper aims to present an approach to the supply chain risk modeling of Brazilian wind power projects. Risk factors were assessed by literature review and analysis through the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and the Matrix-based Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) methodologies, with a group of professionals of the field. The ISM model represented the relationships between twenty-two risk factors, and their position in the system, from higher to lower-level risks. The MICMAC analysis identified independent, autonomous, linkage and dependent risk factors according to their driving and dependence power. Data collected also allowed for the recognition of indirect influences between risk factors, complementing the system’s understanding, in special the strongest linkages. The paper also integrated both outputs to create a better representation of the risks factors into the system. The research characterizes current risk factors’ status on the Brazilian wind power supply chain, and the understanding of their implications into the system. It is a guide to implement effective mitigation strategies into the supply chain and more accurate and cautious decision-making in organizations.