Supply Chain Management: Practices, Concerns, and Performance Issues

Abstract

SUMMARY The advent of information technology and intense global competition has enticed many world‐class manufacturers and service providers into adopting an integrated strategic approach to supply chain management. Although many supply chain management efforts have failed to achieve the desired results, it has become a significant strategic tool for firms striving to achieve competitive success. Using a survey of senior supply and materials management professionals in the United States, this study investigates the contemporary practices and concerns of supply chain management. This study also relates the practices and concerns to firms' performance by means of bivariate correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. A general conclusion is that all of the significant supply chain management practices positively impact performance.

Examining sustainability performance in the supply chain: The case of the Greek dairy sector

“…This could be attributed to a lack of cooperation between members of the whole chain considering the low scores that breeders exhibit and the subsequent "snowball effect" that this may affect the chain as a whole. This lack of cooperation between chain members is well-documented in the food SCM literature [see Fearne (1998) for the UK beef chain; Van der Vorst (2006) for other national food chains] but it is also discussed extensively in the "generic" (non-food) marketing and SCM literature [see relevant theoretical paper by Ballou, et al (2000) and Tan (2006) who examined various SCs representing sectors such as textile, furniture, chemicals and tobacco to name a few]. Major sustainability performance differences were also noted in relation to "quality of my firm's products packaging".…”

“…A similar finding is proposed by Zhao, et al (2002) for other "generic", non-food chains regarding the influential role of information sharing and ordering co-ordination by chain members on the total SC performance. Therefore, a higher level of cooperation and coordination in product conservation time between all members is essential to achieve sustainable performance as this will have an impact on the quality of the final dairy products; however, we anticipate that it will be challenging to achieve this [see Fearne (1998) for the lack of co-operation and co-ordination in the UK food chain; Van der Vorst (2006) for other national food chains; Zhao, et al (2002);Ballou, et al (2000); Tan (2006) for other "generic", non-food chains]. In addition, the positive performance of the dairy chain in traceability is partly explained by the strong performance of the large dairy manufacturers who lead the chain on this indicator.…”

Sustainable supply chain management in tourism

“…Through collaborative research and development, companies can develop more innovative, environmental products and services of higher quality with their suppliers' assistance (Lippmann, 1999;Tan, 2002).…”

“…Challenges to implementing SSCM include supplier availability and capacities, time, expertise and financial resource availability (BSR, 2001;NEETF, 2002;Tan, 2002). SSCM works best for those companies where their organisational culture embraces sustainability (Tan, 2002), and in those situations where the tour operator has influence over their suppliers (Zsidisin and Siferd, 2001).…”

Traditional & Green Supply Chain Management – A Review

“…By adding a "green" component in the SCM practices, GSCM practices encompass a set of green activities in procurement, manufacturing, distribution and reverse logistics [5]. The short term strategic goals is to reduce cycle time and inventory and thus increasing productivity, where as the long term goals is to enhance profit through market share and customer satisfaction [6].…”