Testing the theory of constraints in UK local food supply chains

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of the research is to identify the observable operational and supply chain barriers and constraints that occur in local food supply chains, especially with smaller producers, as they seek to increase market penetration across a wider geographic area. Design/methodology/approach -The research adopts a multiple case study approach using mixed methods of data collection where case study companies are interviewed and complete a questionnaire. This process allows us to create a supply chain map and create a narrative which records the burdens and impacts occurring in local food supply chains and smaller producers looking beyond local markets. This evidence is then set against the theory of constraints (TOC) to provide a theoretical underpinning and to examine consistency of the findings. Findings -Seven broad categories of constraint type are observed: constraints due to the nature of the market; due to scale and the nature of products; constraints related to employment and skills; institutional constraints; constraints in supply chain relationships; certification, policy and regulatory constraints; and constraints around personal beliefs and anthropomorphism. Each is described as to its origin, its limitation to business and where possible, how it might be remedied. The constraints point to some counter-intuitive results as far as common perceptions of local food are concerned but suggestions for improvement are made through collaborative producer efforts, alternative institutional intervention, supply chain re-engineering and logistics innovation. Practical implications -Practical suggestions are made to improve the inclusiveness of distribution networks, to better utilise regional food groups (RFGs), to develop opportunities to set up autonomous supply chain centres, or to broaden the function of farmer co-operatives. The paper also provides an alternative model of the TOC specifically adapted for local food producers, the focus of which plays to their strengths and focuses on building competencies across, up and down the supply chain. Originality/value -The adaptation of the TOC provides an advancement of knowledge in the area of food supply chain analysis and is done in a way that is more practical in use. The paper also provides the opportunity to take a similar approach to examining other niche supply opportunities in the sector, which may be dependent on other geographically defined barriers, such as seasonal or ethnic products.

Institutional complexity and sustainable supply chain management practices

“…For example, Zorzini et al (2015) consider the social dimension alone and in their review of the literature indicate that this includes factors affecting worker rights and safety throughout the supply chain. In contrast, local sourcing is an example of a practice that has been argued by authors such as Oglethorpe & Heron (2013) and Czinkota et al (2014) to address all three dimensions of sustainability, as it can: address environmental issues by reducing food miles; address social issues by providing employment for the local community; and address economic issues by retaining revenues within the region. This paper adopts a broad view of SSCM, as defined by Carter & Rogers (2008) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 y C h a i n M a n a g e m e n t : a n I n t e r n a t i o n a l J o u 3 above and seeks to understand how institutional theory can aid in the implementation of a variety of types of SSCM practices.…”

Application of Specific Theory of Constraints Technique for the Identification of Main Causes of Negative Consequences within Procurement Logistics

“…In the left column, entry subjects (in the diagram, they are indicated by green) are shown. Table 2 shows the effect of entry subjects on relevant subjects as follows [12][13][14]:…”

TOC implementation in a medium-scale manufacturing system with diverse product rooting

“…Other researchers add to the fifth step a remark to avoid inertia while following other bottlenecks (Aguilar-Escobar, Garrido-Vega, & González-Zamora, 2016). The literature also adapts the elementary TOC methodology to be wider than the organisational and system levels, such as the sectoral level (Oglethorpe & Heron, 2013). Oglethorpe andHeron (2013, p. 1362) suggest that when applying TOC to food sector supply chains, one should start with the identification of operational competencies, then identify the best practices, implement new practices or systems and, when they work, measure the benefits and impacts upon the core competencies.…”