Postponement Strategies for Global Downstream Supply Chains: A Conceptual Framework

The purpose of this article is to explore the role of multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) in sustainable supply chains. I argue that MSIs are needed to help establish and institutionalize the natural and social thresholds in which a sustainable supply chain must operate. While a multitude of MSIs relevant to supply chains already exist, they do not yet adequately address sustainability thresholds. Building on theory and literature, I elaborate on four interrelated roles for MSIs in this area: (1) providing learning platforms, (2) developing standards, (3) developing enforcement mechanisms, and (4) issuing labels and certifications. All four roles emphasize the need for supply chains to operate within the thresholds set by nature and society. Staying within thresholds is what distinguishes between sustainable and unsustainable supply chains. The four roles form part of a broader conceptual framework outlining a way forward for MSIs in sustainable supply chains. Different MSIs could address one or more of these roles. I argue that all MSIs must be developed with special attention to their input and output legitimacy. Stakeholders from both within and beyond the supply chain must be involved in developing and implementing a MSI for it to be viewed as legitimate. I note that the conceptual framework presented here is a starting point. It would benefit from further testing and refinement. For example, future work could add further specificity to the four roles I discuss. Future research could also focus on integrating economic thresholds for sustainable supply chains into the framework.

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The Perspectives of Port Integration into the Global Supply Chains – The Case of North Adriatic Ports

Pomorstvo ◽

10.31217/p.32.1.5 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 42-49

Author(s):

Alen Host ◽

Helga Pavlić Skender ◽

Petra Adelajda Mirković

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Business Cycle ◽

Supply Chains ◽

Conceptual Framework ◽

Global Supply Chains ◽

Maritime Transport ◽

Port Competitiveness ◽

The Business Cycle ◽

Patterns And Processes

Globalization, offshoring and the notable growth of containerization have changed the maritime transport and logistics chains. Ports became integral part of complex supply chains and serve as a logistics centres, add value, link flows and influence the supply chain patterns and processes. The port competitiveness is determined by its in-house strengths such as efficient freight handling and hinterland connections and by its position and links in the global supply chains. The aim of this paper is to investigate the importance of port integration in the supply chains overall and to analyse how North Adriatic Ports are integrated into the supply chains. The analysis is based on the sample of 939 firms aggregated by ports regions and classes level within Section H (Nace Rev.2). The assumption is that if the business cycle of all firms (classes) included in the port supply chain is correlated, it can indicate that the port is integrated in the supply chain. The results of our analysis are ambiguous, where the correlation is rather negative than positive. This paper provides the conceptual framework and outline the significance of this investigation for port operators, shipping lines, forwarders and other stakeholders.

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Leanness and agility: a comparative theoretical view

Industrial Management & Data Systems ◽

10.1108/imds-01-2016-0032 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 117 (1) ◽

pp. 149-165 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Nesrine Eltawy ◽

David Gallear

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Supply Chain ◽

Supply Chains ◽

Conceptual Framework ◽

Deep Understanding ◽

Future Research ◽

Content Type ◽

Comparative Review ◽

Concept Review ◽

The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare and distinguish between two salient means for improving the management of, and leveraging the effectiveness of, supply chains. Leanness and agility have been considered recently as prominent and successful means for competing. The paper examines the literature on leanness and agility thinking including their definitions, importance and practices. The paper also highlights the argument surrounding the relationship direction between these two concepts. Design/methodology/approach A systematic comparative review was conducted on the lean literature and agility literature at three levels: manufacturing, organisation and supply chain. The systematic review on the lean concept has been conducted based on articles published over the last two decades. The agility concept review was conducted based on the articles published from its inception in 1991 through early 2016. Findings A conceptual framework is presented following the in-depth review. The conceptual framework sets out the input, operational practice and output elements necessary for both philosophies to take root successfully. A discussion based on the review of the literature on the direction of the relationship between leanness and agility is also presented, and should also be included in any future empirical testing of the conceptual framework. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on a systematic review which extends previous research as it has been conducted in a detailed and clear systematic manner which enables a deep understanding of the similarities and differences between leanness and agility philosophies from an operational perspective: inputs, operational and outcomes elements. Future research is required to empirically test the conceptual relationships. Practical implications Companies are constantly searching for ways to improve their supply chains. This paper seeks to provide a deep understanding for lean and agility philosophies as important means for achieving this goal. This has been conducted by clarifying the differences, similarities and the direction of the relationship that may exist between these two approaches as means for improving a company’s supply chain. Originality/value Based on a systematic review on leanness and agility philosophies, a conceptual framework exploring the differences and similarities between both philosophies from an operational systematic perspective is presented.

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A conceptual framework for measuring sustainability performance of supply chains

Journal of Cleaner Production ◽

10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.04.073 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 189 ◽

pp. 570-584 ◽

Cited By ~ 48

Author(s):

Ardian Qorri ◽

Zlatan Mujkić ◽

Andrzej Kraslawski

Keyword(s):

Supply Chains ◽

Conceptual Framework ◽

Sustainability Performance

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