As freight flows through global supply chains intensify, dependence upon maritime transportation increases. This paper explores the risks that international freight flows are exposed to as a function of the multiple complex structure of liner shipping networks. Based on network modelling of over 80 networks and simulation of attacks to seven strategic nodes in the Americas, the paper shows that the vulnerability of international freight flows to disruptions in maritime transportation services varies according to the country of origin of such flows and the role that the country plays in the multi-layered maritime transportation network.

Based on a review of extant theory, the authors posit a new definitional construct for SCM-the Four Fundamentals-and investigated four research questions (RQs) that emerged from the theoretical review. The empirical work comprised three main phases: focussed interviews, focus groups and a questionnaire survey. Each phase used the authors' definitional construct as its basis. While the context of the paper's empirical work is Ireland, the insights and results are generalisable to other geographical contexts. Findings: The data collected during the various stages of the empirical research supported the essence of the definitional construct and allowed it to be further developed and refined. In addition, the findings suggest that, while levels of SCM understanding are generally quite high, there is room for improvement in relation to how this understanding is translated into practice. Research limitations/implications: Expansion of the research design to incorporate case studies, grounded theory and action research has the potential to generate new SCM theory that builds on the Four Fundamentals construct, thus facilitating a deeper and richer understanding of SCM phenomena. The use of longitudinal studies would enable a barometer of progress over time to be developed. Practical implications: The authors' definitional construct supports improvement in the cohesion of SCM practices, thereby promoting the effective implementation of supply chain strategies. A number of critical success factors (CSFs) and/or barriers to implementation of SCM theory in practice are identified, as are a number of practical measures that could be implemented at policy/supply chain/firm level to improve the level of effective SCM adoption. 2 Originality/value: The authors' robust definitional construct supports a more cohesive approach to the development of a unified theory of SCM. In addition to a profile of SCM understanding and adoption by firms in Ireland, the related critical success factors and/or inhibitors to success, as well as possible interventions, are identified.

This paper develops a thorough understanding of the adoption of logistics and supply chain management in practice, particularly at a strategic level, through an investigation of a four perspectives taxonomy of the relationship between logistics and supply chain management. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a comprehensive literature review three specific research questions are proposed. The empirical work addresses these questions and comprised three phases: focused interviews, a questionnaire survey and focus groups. Findings: The findings provide a usage profile of the four perspectives and indicate a divergence between the understanding and adoption of logistics and SCM principles and concepts at a strategic level in firms. The findings also identify critical success factors and inhibitors to success in addressing this divergence. Research limitations/implications: The insights generated using the authors' methodologically pluralist research design could be built upon to include case studies, grounded theory and action research. Replicating the research in other geographical areas could facilitate international comparisons. Practical implications: The findings allow practitioners to compare their perspectives on the relationship between logistics and supply chain management with those of their peers. The critical success factors and inhibitors to success provide a rational basis for realising the strategic potential of logistics and supply chain management in practice. Originality/value: New insights are generated into practitioner perspectives vis-à-vis logistics versus supply chain management. A fresh understanding of those factors which drive and hinder the adoption of strategic SCM is also developed and presented.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International licence Newcastle University ePrints-eprint.ncl.ac.uk

No abstract

No abstract