Development of lean supply chains: a case study of the Catalan pork sector

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the characteristics and the performance of the Catalan pork supply chain, with the objective to assess whether this operates according to the parameters of a lean chain. Moreover there is a tentative lean supply chain model contribution.Design/methodology/approachTo test lean approaches in the Catalan pork supply chain we have used case research methodology. The research strategy started with a conceptual model proposal as a tool to carry out the assessment. The research went on a multiple case studies in a large‐scale sample of the population and developed a semi‐structured interview as a basic instrument to apply it.FindingsThe article shows the pork sector has actively adopted the productive techniques associated with lean management. The structure of the specific chain in the Catalan pork sector is suitable to implement lean supply chain strategies according to the presented model.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper should be of value to researchers in this area as it contributes in a tentative generic lean model for the pork sector. Further research to affirm the cultural support for lean collaboration is recommended as a precursor to the application of the five lean principles.Practical implicationsIt provides empirical evidence from a significant pork producing region indicating that the model proposed has applicability. These findings support industry wide business associations' efforts to initiate actions which will reinforce these techniques and improve the competitiveness of the sector.Originality/valueA review of this literature ascertained that there were no existing published works centred on the study of the pork supply chain development in Spain and particularly nothing focussed on the applicability of the “lean” discipline in this area. This gap in research along with the importance of the pork sector at national and regional levels demonstrates the necessity and importance of the study.

Lean Cooperation: A Framework

“…Burgess et al, 2006;Christopher, 2011;Hines, 1994;Lamming, 1993;Van Nieuwenhuyse & Vandaele, 2006) focusing consequently on the value generated for end-users (e.g. Perez et al, 2010;Wu, 2003), the development of "lean" supply chains becomes inevitable. Lean supply models have the potential to manage the increasing complexity of innovation, interfacing components and systems as well as quality and design aspects (Nellore et al, 2001).…”

“…Lean supply models have the potential to manage the increasing complexity of innovation, interfacing components and systems as well as quality and design aspects (Nellore et al, 2001). Consequently, Perez et al (2010) coin the term "lean collaboration" (p. 55) analysing the Catalan pork industry concerning the realization of lean principles along the supply chain. This paper argues that there are two main trends affecting industry nowadays.…”

Determining decoupling points in a supply chain networks using NSGA II algorithm

“…These criteria are services, quality, cost and waiting time which agility and leanness value of supply chain are depend on the size of them (Gosling, Purvis, L., Naim, 2010). Perez, Castro, Simons and Gimenez (2010) have analyzed the performance and features of Catalan meat supply chain with the aim of whether those responsible for lean supply chain is used in the industry. In this regard, a conceptual model have used as an evaluation tool.…”

Determinants of long-term business relationships in the dairy value chain in transition countries: the case of Albania

“…appear to be clear, building and maintaining such relation ships poses considerable challenges. In the agriculture sec tor, coordination requires the development of sustainable business relationships (Perez et al, 2010;Fischer, 2013), the mechanisms and key driving forces that shape such rela tionships is of crucial importance. As argued by Williamson (1979), the type of variation in governance choices can be explained by the characteristics of transactions, thus mainly (a) the level of uncertainty, (b) the likelihood of recurrence In addition to Transaction Cost Theory (TCT) original operates (suppliers, customers and competitors) affects its environment and behaviour, and thereby the type of Van de Ven (1992) point out, exchange partners establish monitoring and renegotiation.…”