This dissertation investigates the consequences of supply chain disruptions in pharmaceutical supply chains. Across different studies, I examine various impacts of pharmaceutical supply chain disruptions on buyer’s behavior, medication errors, and market share. In Chapter 1, coauthored with Anita Carson, Erin Fox, and Rena Conti, we demonstrate the stockpiling behaviors of buyers during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging a quasi-experimental design on IQVIA’s National Sales Perspectives™ data, we show that the sales volume of essential medicines related to U.S. hospital-based COVID-19 treatment concentrated only for the first two months of the pandemic. After these two months, the sales volume of drugs for COVID-19 treatment decreases significantly despite a nationwide increase in COVID-19-related hospitalizations. In Chapter 2, coauthored with Anita Carson and Rena Conti, we examine the impact of a hurricane that decimated the factories of major producers of heparin, an important drug used frequently in hospitals. Using a natural experiment, we find that the hurricane-related pharmaceutical supply chain disruption increased medication error rates of heparin. In addition, we find significant spillover effects. The supply chain disruption increased the medication error rates of a substitute drug. In Chapter 3, coauthored with Anita Carson and Rena Conti, we study how long it takes to recover the market share after the supply chain disruptions using a new metric we propose, Time to Recover Market Share. We explore the differential effects by the brand type of products, the competition level in markets, and the duration of the supply disruptions. With the extensive global supply chain disruptions that we are facing today, understanding their potential consequences is significant. This dissertation advances our understanding of the different impacts of supply chain disruptions and provides practical implications for supply chain members to build resilient supply chains and minimize the effects of supply chain disruptions.

Användandet av digitaliseringsteknologier har blivit allt vanligare i supply chain management. Denna studie undersöker utmaningar och möjligheter med digitalisering av transportsektorn. Projektets genomförande grundar sig på litteraturstudier av akademiska artiklar. Artiklarna erhölls via Internetbaserade databaser som exempelvis Diva-portal, Google Scholar, KTH Primo, ScienceDirect, Scopus och Springer. Dessutom intervjuades fem doktorander och representanter från olika företag för att få en djupare inblick och förståelse för sektorn och dess utmaningar samt möjligheter. Resultaten tyder på att det förekom varierande drivkrafter till digitalisering av transportsektorn, såsom: ökad effektivitet och produktivitet, minskade kostnader och miljöpåverkan samt förbättrad kundupplevelse. Implementeringen av digitaliseringsteknologier skapar också många möjligheter, exempelvis förbättrad spårbarhet och säkerhet i leveranskedjan, mer automatiserade och snabbare processer samt ökad tillgänglighet och flexibilitet för kunder. För en framgångsrik implementering av digitaliseringsteknologier inom transportsektorn krävs övervinnande av flera utmaningar. Dessa inkluderar tekniska hinder som systemintegration och it-säkerhet, samt kulturella och organisatoriska hinder som bristande samarbete mellan aktörer och motstånd mot förändring. Slutligen konstateras att det är viktigt att transportföretagen arbetar aktivt med att övervinna dessa utmaningar och dra nytta av de möjligheter som digitaliseringen erbjuder. En stegvis implementering tillsammans med ett öppet samarbete mellan aktörer i sektorn kan bidra till en smidig övergång till en digitaliserad transportsektor. Detta kan förbättra både effektiviteten och hållbarheten i branschen. / The use of digitalization technologies is increasingly prevalent in supply chain management. This study explored the challenges and opportunities of digitizing the transport sector. The project was based on literature studies of academic articles. These articles were found through internet based databases such as Diva Portal, Google Scholar, KTH Primo, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Springer. Additionally representatives from various companies and PhD students were interviewed to gain a deeper understanding of the sector and the challenges and opportunities they face. The results indicated that there were various driving forces for the digitization of the transport sector including increased efficiency and productivity, reduced costs and environmental impact, and improved customer experience. Implementing digitization technologies also creates many opportunities such as improved traceability and security in the supply chain, more automated and faster processes as well as increased accessibility and flexibility for customers. For a successful implementation of digitalization technologies in the transportation sector, several challenges need to be overcome. These include technical barriers such as system integration and IT security, as well as cultural and organizational barriers. Which include a lack of collaboration between stakeholders and resistance to change. In conclusion it is essential that the transport companies actively work to overcome these challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that digitization offers. A gradual implementation, combined with open collaboration among stakeholders in the sector, can contribute to a seamless transition to a digitalized transportation sector. This can improve both the efficiency and sustainability of the industry.

This dissertation examines the challenges associated with disruptions in supply chain financing and the railway transportation network. The study is divided into six chapters: In Chapter 1, we introduce the core problems under investigation. Chapter 2 investigates supply chain financing, emphasizing trade credit and bank credit—two predominant external financing mechanisms. Given the inherent uncertainties in demand, interest rates, and supplier credit ratings, this chapter introduces a stochastic programming model accounting for demand uncertainty. Subsequently, a robust optimization program is applied, whose complexity demands a specialized solution methodology. By analyzing a case study centered around a prominent U.S. retailer, the research reveals key insights into decision-making processes related to financing, the effects of bargaining power on portfolio mix and profits, and the relative importance of interest rate uncertainties over supplier credit ratings. Chapter 3 introduces a game-theoretical model designed to hedge financing risks in supply chains, with a focus on the application of insurance for both trade and bank credits. To support the design of effective supply chain finance contracts, three distinct contracts are developed, aiming to synchronize both financial and material flows within the supply chain. A significant feature of this chapter is the data-driven approach employed to address the potential bankruptcy risks that can arise from borrowing loans. Alongside this, a novel solution algorithm is introduced to solve the proposed non-convex models. A case study involving Ford Motor Company and a Chicago-based retailer enriches the research with real-world context. The findings offer several managerial insights: the strategic advantages of different insurance services vary based on the risk attitudes and profit margins of participants. For example, when a retailer operates with a lower profit margin, the use of Trade Credit Insurance (TCI) is recommended in conjunction with a risk-seeking retailer, while a risk-averse retailer might diminish the benefits of TCI. Conversely, with high profit margin retailers, the adoption of Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) is advised under all conditions. In Chapter 4, a game-theoretical model for risk mitigation within railway transportation is introduced. This model addresses random disruptions by employing strategies like repair, re-routing, third-party services, and leasing capacity from competing rail companies. Through a U.S. case study, the efficacy of these strategies is examined, with renting railcars emerging as a particularly potent approach to enhance resilience and reduce third-party expenses. The research further suggests that negotiations extending delivery dates can significantly diminish post-disruption costs. Finally, Chapter 5 summarizes the primary contributions of this research, laying the groundwork for prospective studies in this domain. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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No / The purpose of this paper is to theorise and develop seven dimensions (strategic supplier partnership, level of information sharing, quality of information sharing, customer service management, internal lean practices, postponement and total quality management) into a supply chain management (SCM) practices (SCMPs) construct and studies its causal relationship with the conceptualised constructs of supply chain performance (SCP) and manufacturing firms’ performance (MFP). The study also explores the causal relationship between SCP and MFP. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire responded by 249 Jordanian manufacturing firms. The relationships proposed in the developed theoretical framework were represented through three hypotheses: H1 – there is a significant relationship between SCMPs and SCP; H2 – there is a significant relationship between SCMPs and MFP; and H3 – there is a significant relationship between SCP and MFP. Linear regression, ANOVA and Pearson correlation were used to test the hypotheses. The results were further validated using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that SCMPs have a positive effect on SCP (H1), which in turn also positively affect MFP (H3). Despite this intermediary positive effect of SCMP on MFP through SCP, the study also suggests that SCMPs have a direct and positive effect on MFP (H2). This study provides hard evidence indicating that higher levels of SCMPs can lead to enhanced supply chain and firms’ performance. It also provides SC managers of manufacturing firms with a multi-dimensional operational measure of the construct of SCMPs for assessing the comprehensiveness of the SCMPs of their firms. This study is among the very first SCM researches conducted on the Jordanian manufacturing sector, particularly, in relation to the practices that manufacturing firms in this country need to adopt to make their supply chains a solid competitive vehicle for their development. The results have broader implications for all manufacturing companies, particularly in developing economies where the growth of manufacturing and the development of integrated supply chains are key stages in economic development.

Yes / This study has addressed and identified the problems in managing the existing emergency supply chain of Bangladesh in all phases of operation in terms of the primary drivers of the supply chain. It has also attempted to conceptualize and suggest an effective emergency supply chain. In this context, a thorough field investigation in several districts was conducted among the employees of the organizations sharing common information with similar protocols and implications (interoperable). Information was collected from the employees of all the participating organizations involved in disaster management through a semi-structured questionnaire based survey. The respondents addressed and illustrated several interconnected reasons which are inhibiting proper forecasting, procurement, storage, identification of affected people, and distribution. The respondents pointed out that the mismatching of objectives in the different organizations resulted in non-interoperability among the participating organizations. These issues are related to the malfunctioning of management with multidimensional organizational conflicts. Reflecting those issues, an emergency supply chain for disaster management is proposed in this study

Yes / Purpose This study explored the effect of power-based behaviours on pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) resilience. Design/methodology/approach This study used a mixed-method approach to explore the role of power-based behaviours in PSC resilience. Qualitative interviews from 23 key PSC stakeholders, followed by thematic analysis, revealed the underlying perceptions regarding PSC resilience. Quantitative propositions were then developed based on the themes adopted from PSC resilience literature and the qualitative findings. These were tested via a survey questionnaire administered to 106 key stakeholders across the various levels in the PSC. Structural equation modelling with partial least squares was used to analyse the data. Findings The data analysed identified proactive and reactive strategies as resilience strategies in the PSC. However, power-based behaviours represented by quota systems, information and price control influenced these resilience strategies. From a complex adaptive system (CAS) perspective, we found that when power-based behaviours were exhibited, the interactions between PSC actors were mixed. There was a negative influence on reactive strategies and a positive influence on proactive strategies. Our analysis also showed that PSC complexities measured by (stringent regulations, long lead times and complex production) moderated the effect of power-based behaviour on reactive strategies. Thus, the negative impact of power-based behaviours on reactive strategies stemmed from PSC complexities. Research implications Our research particularly reveals the role of power-based behaviours in building PSC resilience. By evaluating the nexus from a CAS perspective, the analysis considered powerbased behaviours and the moderating role of PSC complexities in developing resilience strategies. The study considers the interactions of PSC actors. It shows that power asymmetry is a relational concept that inhibits the efficacy of reactive strategies. This study thus advocates the importance of power in achieving a more resilient PSC from a holistic perspective by highlighting the importance of the decision-making process among supply chain partners. Our findings are particularly relevant if PSC resilience is viewed as a complex adaptive system (CAS). All the interactions and decision-making processes affect outcomes due to their inherent complexities. Although this study focused on the PSC, its implications could be extended to other SCs (supply chains). Practical implications We identified that power-based behaviours influenced resilience strategies. It was detrimental to reactive strategies due to the complexities of the PSC but beneficial to proactive strategies through resource-sharing. PSC actors are therefore encouraged to pursue proactive strategies as this may aid in mitigating the impact of disruptions. However, power-based behaviours bred partner dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction may occur even within strategic alliances indicating that power could be detrimental to proactive strategies. Therefore, it is pertinent to identify conditions that lead to dissatisfaction when pursuing strategic partnerships. This study provides insight into actual behaviours influencing resilience and quantifies their effects on the PSC. These insights will be valuable for all supply chain partners wanting to improve their resilience strategies. Originality/value Previous PSC management and resilience studies have not examined the role of power in building resilience in the PSC. This paper thus provides a unique contribution by identifying the role of power in PSC resilience, offers empirical evidence and a novel theoretical perspective for future practice and research in building PSC resilience strategies.

Biomass-based CHP (bCHP) can provide reliable electricity in remote and rural areas because it is an on-site generation resource, and it is designed to support continued operations in the event of a disaster. However, the benefits of such facilities can only be realized if a reliable and economical feedstock supply system is designed, given the system not only efficiently transports biomass under normal scenarios (e.g., when depots and transportation links are functioning properly) but also hedges against unexpected infrastructure/transportation link failures due to severe weather events (e.g., hurricanes). To serve this purpose, this study proposes a three-stage stochastic programming model to design a reliable feedstock supply system, where decisions are made sequentially to realistically represent pre-and-post disaster situations) under uncertain infrastructure status (e.g., unavailability of the road and facility conditions) and customer demand situations. In stage one, pre-disaster decisions are made (e.g., the opening of depots and regular feedstock transportation decisions), while stages two and three represent, respectively, immediate decisions following a disaster (e.g., damaged timber transportation, pellet production) and post-disaster decisions (e.g., transportation pellets to end-users, storage) with a timeframe between several days to weeks. By collecting data from 15 coastal rural counties in Mississippi, we create a real-life case study and derive important managerial insights. Our experimental results reveal that the biomass-to-bCHP supply chain decisions (e.g., depot location, storage, transportation decisions) are highly sensitive to intensity and the probabilistic infrastructure availability following a hurricane. The second chapter extends the research by introducing high and low priority end-users so the demand prioritization is met.

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked a large interest across various sectors, where it has been praised for its capabilities of transforming the way businesses operate. The food supply chain (FSC) is a particularly complex and unique supply chain due to its nature of dealing with perishable products. With sustainability becoming an increasingly important aspect for stakeholders, it stresses the importance of the FSC optimizing their operations to ensure minimal environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. Although the topic of AI is widely discussed in society, research concerning the topic remains limited. While the existing literature frequently discusses AI’s potential in broad terms, it is lacking in showcasing the practical effects it can entail within specific industries. Therefore, investigating the implications of the technology in the FSC is highly relevant from both a practical and theoretical standpoint. The study’s purpose is to contribute with insights into how the implementation of AI has affected food supply chains in Sweden. It holds an exploratory research design and an inductive research approach, taking the perspective of the inbound logistics part of the FSC. To gain a clear understanding of what practical effects AI has entailed, the study highlights both the dynamics of the FSC before implementing AI, as well as its dynamics after implementing it. This study used a qualitative method with semi-structured interviews to obtain its empirical data. The interviews were conducted with two of the large food retailers in Sweden, and a thematic analysis was then employed to identify a few key areas that the empirical findings showed.  The results show that the main areas where AI has affected the FSC is in (1) time-savings, (2) inventory management, (3) waste management, and (4) internal supply chain efficiency. The common denominator between these areas was identified to be the improved forecasting ability that AI provides. Forecasts play a significant role in improving efficiency since they entail a supply chain-wide impact where both suppliers, warehouses, and ultimately the end-customer are impacted from them. However, the findings indicate that although AI is an effective tool, it remains to have certain limitations and still requires human maintenance to properly function.