Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the TQM readiness level of Yemeni Organizations. In addition, this study compares the level of readiness between the various Yemeni organizations. Design/methodology/approach Based on the TQM literature, related and relevant information had been gathered to develop an assessment tool used in this research. The main content of the assessment focused on statements related to the most common TQM principles. Data were collected by an assessment team and analyzed using quantitative methods to answer the related research questions. Findings The analysis results showed some of the TQM principles were being practiced by Yemeni organizations, to some extent, and with variant levels. The most widely practiced principle was customer focus, and the lowest principle practiced was continuous improvement. Also, the data showed the level of TQM readiness in Yemeni organizations was 58.93 percent. This level of TQM readiness indicates there is a potential for successful adoption of quality management standards and models in Yemeni organizations. Research limitations/implications This study extends previous limited research in TQM readiness level measurement. It also adds to the body of TQM knowledge within the context of Yemen. In addition, this study contributes to the understanding of TQM implementation in an least developed countries (LDC) environment, where LDC organizational culture has its particularities on implementing TQM. Originality/value This paper contributes to a better understanding of TQM in an LDC country, which is Yemen. The paper points out which of the TQM principles are important to potential adoption of quality management standards and models. This study could further expand research, regarding the TQM in Yemen.

PurposeThe food supply chain (FSC) challenges coupled with global disruptions, such as the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak, exacerbate its vulnerability. The Internet of things (IoT) is one of the disruptive technologies being adopted in food supply chain management (FSCM). This study aims to address the challenges of IoT adoption in the FSC by systematically analyzing the prior pertinent literature.Design/methodology/approachA structured literature review was used to collate a list of peer-reviewed and relevant publications. A total of 72 out of 210 articles were selected for the final evaluation.FindingsThe literature review findings suggest five themes: technical, financial, social, operational, educational and governmental related challenges. A total of 15 challenges were devised from the review related literature of IoT adoption. The study concludes with future research recommendations for scholars and practical implications for practitioners.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study focuses on the overall FSC, further research should address other domains in the FSC such as cold supply chain, agriculture and perishable food to gain a better contextual understanding of the specific case.Originality/valueThe topic of IoT adoption in the FSCM is still considered emerging. Therefore, the present work contributes to the limited studies and documentation on the level of IoT implementation in the FSCM. This study should help organizations to assimilate how to adopt and manage the IoT application by addressing the factors and challenges presented in this research.

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Purpose Real-time visibility and traceability in warehousing could be accomplished by implementing the internet-of-things (IoT) technology. The purpose of this paper is to develop a roadmap for designing an IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure and, respectively, design and apply the IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure using a developed roadmap. More specifically, this study first identifies critical components to design an IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure. Second, the study at hand identifies essential factors that contribute to the successful implementation of IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative-descriptive method, through a comprehensive review of the relevant studies, was used in this study to develop a roadmap. A prototype system was then designed to simulate a case company’s actual warehouse operations in one of the manufacturing companies in Indonesia. Findings A framework was proposed which is viable for designing an IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure. Based on the data collected from a case company, the proposed smart warehouse infrastructure design successfully implemented real-time visibility and traceability and improved overall warehouse efficiency. Research limitations/implications While the framework in this research was carried out in one of the developing counties, the study could be used as the basis for future research in a smart warehouse, IoT and related topics. Originality/value This research enhances the limited knowledge to establish the IoT infrastructure for a smart warehouse to enable real-time visibility and traceability. This study is also the first to specifically propose a framework for designing an IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure. The proposed framework can motivate companies in developing countries to deploy efficient and effective smart warehouses using IoT to drive the countries’ economic growth.