Although Corporate Social Responsibility has been one of the most important concepts to emerge within the managerial enquiry, only recently has it gained ground within the supply chain management field. Despite notable contributions from the current literature, there is lack of understanding of how an advantageous position and beneficial outcomes from socially responsible initiatives are accrued to the supply chain and the firm. To address this gap, an integrative conceptual model is built and tested in this study, focusing on a SC competence, that of Socially Responsible Supply Chain (SRSC)- based absorptive capacity, driving SRSC-based advantage and consequently, firm performance growth. The conceptual model is grounded on the Resource-Based View and its derivations, the Natural Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities Perspective, complemented by contingency theory. A cross-sectional survey design was employed and primary data were collected from 209 manufacturing companies in the US. The sample was selected from a list of managers, members of the Institute for Supply Management. The unit of analysis is the SC (i.e., supplier-manufacturer-distributor). Following measure validation procedures using confirmatory factor analysis and assessment of common method bias, the direct and moderating effects specified in the research hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis. Findings confmn that SRSC- based absorptive capacity leads to the creation of a SRSC-based advantage, positively moderated by competitive intensity and social public concern, and negatively moderated by regulatory forces. SRSC-based advantage as the mediating variable, leads to firm performance growth, a relationship negatively moderated by the manufacturer's socially responsible sourcing strategy, in contrast to the initial hypothesis. Results indicate a significant effect of supply chain scope and years of implementing SRSC practices (control variables), on SRSC-based advantage and firm performance growth, respectively. The study findings have important implications for theory development, management practice, academic scholarship and public-policy.

No description available.

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the link between IS capabilities and operational performance in services. More specifically, it aims to investigate how the processes for supplier and customer integration affect IS capabilities and consequently, firms’ operational performance. Accordingly, this study examines the effects of three dimensions of IS capabilities (IT for supply chain activities, flexible IT infrastructure, and IT operations shared knowledge) on cost and quality performance via the mediation of the processes developed for supplier and customer integration in service firms. This is achieved by measuring SCI in terms of supply side integration processes (supplier integration) as well as customer side integration processes (customer transactions, customer connection, and customer collaboration). A survey-based research design intended to measure the estimated relationships was adopted. Data were collected from 156 service establishments in the UK. Mediated multiple regression analysis revealed that integrating specific processes with supply chain members (supplier integration, customer transactions, customer connection, and customer collaboration) can fully or partially mediate the effects of IT for supply chain activities and IT operations shared knowledge on cost and quality performance; no support was found for the relationships between flexible IT infrastructure and cost and quality performance. These results provide a valuable explanation to academics as well as to practitioners regarding the importance of various processes developed for integration with supply chain members in leveraging IS for operational performance in services. This thesis takes a step towards quelling concerns about the business value of IS, contributing to the development and validation of the measurement of IS capabilities in the service operations context. Additionally, it adds to the emerging body of literature linking supply chain integration to the operational performance of service firms.

This thesis, with a focus on the downstream petroleum sector in North-west Nigeria, investigates the impact of intentional, human-induced disruptions on supply chain integration (SCI) dimensions. Two theories were used as guiding principles; crisis theory that presents criminality as a crisis situation in the industry; and the resources-based view (RBV) that explains SCI according to the organisational capability to collaborate and gain advantages using the available resources. It also examines the extent to which safety/security initiatives (as resources) mitigate these disruptions. Following mixed-methods of quantitative-qualitative sequential explanatory research design, the relationships between criminal elements and the dimensions of SCI and organisational performance. Quantitative analyses, guided by sets of hypotheses tested using regression analysis, ranked the criminal elements in order of their impact on SCI dimensions and impact of SCI dimensions on organisational performance. A Participatory Action Research (PAR) team was engaged to explain both the correlations and the causation resulting from the quantitative analysis by focusing on the vulnerable areas identified and by proposing solutions. To help decision-making, several decision-making tools (diagramming, visualization, etc) were used, expanding over 3,000 man hours of PAR meetings involving 17 members over a period of two years were recorded. Fifty Six (56) causes of disruption were identified, which were subsequently reduced to 34, of which 12 were primary and 22 secondary. Using diagramming, 21 causes were found to be central to criminality in the region of study. These causes and their attributes were discussed in a PAR setting. Organisations represented at the PAR implemented agreed implementable operational actions. The impact of those actions on organisational processes related to the security and safety of both products and facilities were evaluated and found to be effective countermeasures for the identified causes. This thesis work reveals that participatory security processes gives better security advantages for oil and gas facilities. As a result of this work a Participatory-oriented Security Approach model is proposed, in line with participatory theories.

Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine what are the common practices of green supply chain management in manufacturing companies in Greece and how green management practices can be efficiently implemented along their supply chain in order to achieve a better environmental, economic, operational and social performance. In a globalized market with a growing awareness of an organization’s ecological footprint an increasing number of companies worldwide understand the importance to implement green supply chain management (GSCM) practices. Nevertheless, environmental consciousness and environmental protection differ to a wide degree between countries. For Greece and the region of South East Europe there still exists a gap of theoretical and empirical research regarding GSCM. While Greece’s business community is largely seen as having a low responsiveness to ecological challenges, this research takes a closer look into the pressures, motivators and impediments that Greek manufacturers experience regarding the implementation of GSCM and how far this can be regarded an opportunity for them to create additional value for their companies. Research Methodology/Approach: Facing the relative novelty of the subject for Greece and the region of South East Europe and due to the scarcity of information, this research follows a qualitative exploratory research approach. On the base of a thorough literature review the research draws on a number of five in-depth case studies across Greek manufacturing companies. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews are conducted with several key personnel within the companies. The data are triangulated with additional company documents and publications, as well as on the spot observation. Findings: Findings of this research indicate that Greek manufacturers are generally aware of the ecological challenges but adopt in majority a reactive approach. GSCM does not have high strategic importance. Implementation often lacks vigour. Major drivers are legislative pressure, cost benefits and demands of big customers. Major impediments besides the lack of formal strategy are a mental resistance of employees and partners, and a lack of state support and control. A shift of paradigm is necessary to facilitate a more effective implementation of GSCM measures and foster a multifaceted added value to company performance. Contribution/Practical implications: This study enlarges the lean body of literature about GSCM implementation in Greece and South Eastern Europe. The findings illustrate to what degree and by which mechanisms Greek manufacturers attempt to incorporate an effective greening strategy into their overall business strategy. The practical motivators and impediments in this effort are exemplified. Progress, shortcomings and possible pitfalls are demonstrated. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of companies in the region of the way of the potential how innovative GSCM practices can increase company value. Limitations: Restricted by the limited number of case studies in one specific industry sector this research does not make a claim for generalisation of its results but rather provides an insight into a number of current problems that invite further empirical studies.

In manufacturing, supplier selection is viewed as the foundation of supply chain management, as the choice of the supplier will inherently affect all other aspects of business. This study explores the supplier selection decision-making process within Malaysian manufacturing firms. Previous studies in supplier selection have focused on company performance and quality management. Preceding research in this field, offers evidence that the application of information technology tools, business intelligence tools and artificial intelligence tools can be beneficial to the supplier selection decision-making process. In particular, the study explores the presence and usage of the information technology tools, business intelligence tools and artificial intelligence tools, to support the supplier selection decision making process in Malaysian SME manufacturing companies. Data for this research has been collected from six cases located in Malaysia, and was lead through semi-structured interviews. The findings present online global marketplaces as a supplier sourcing method, unstructured evaluation methods and supplier selection process. Information technology supports the supplier selection process by the usage of mobile applications and online communication tools to increase the speed of information exchange. Business intelligence presents tools developed in Malaysia, in alignment with the needs of Malaysian SME manufacturers. Artificial intelligence tools presented no usage or presence in these cases. Finally, this study uncovers the impact of Malaysian culture on the supplier selection process and their supporting tools. Amongst the contributions are: an understanding of the supplier selection process in the Malaysian SME manufacturing, shedding light on the supplier evaluation process, supplier selection criteria and supplier sourcing methods. Adding a new dimension to the existing body of literature is the use of ICT and BI tools, which support the supplier selection process. The contributions are of benefit to practitioners, as the components of the study sheds light into a non-western context.

This thesis is written in the context of a world that is on the brink of experiencing severe climate change, and as a result must explore a variety of methods for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Whilst national governments and international organisations enact treaties and frameworks, the role of business as a driver of increasing GHG emissions is also being examined. In these circumstances the measurement of organisational footprints is of considerable interest. (Berners-Lee, et al., 2011) showed how the supply chain footprint of a small leisure business could be estimated using Environmentally Extended Input-Output (EEIO) modelling. The research presented in this thesis describes the updating of this model to use the most up to date ONS data. This model was used over several years with a UK based international telecommunications company. The implementation of the model, and several extensions to the methodology are presented along with summary results of the analysis. The case study demonstrates the suitability and flexibility of EEIO models for reporting supply chain footprints in organisations. A critique of the technique and further developments of the model are described.

Due to intense competition, ports are desperately searching for new ways to increase performance and gain a sustainable edge into today’s dynamic and competitive business environment. Literature has deeply discussed the performance of large and established ports that hold hub status; however, studies on the performance of small and medium-sized ports (SMPs) are scarce. Even though there are studies pertaining to SMPs, it is more from the port development perspective. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the competitive performance of SMPs that are not on the main maritime shipping lanes and face challenges in attracting port users to make port of calls; nevertheless, they are proximate to large hinterland markets, and are thus called ports on the periphery. In particular, this study intends to seek, identify and explore the appropriate potential strategies (identified as spatial characteristics, port supply chain integration strategy, and sustainability advantage) that are able to bring continuous prosperity to the business performance of ports on the periphery; to synthesise the presence of the causal theoretical relationships between identified potential strategies and the performance of ports on the periphery; and to investigate to what extent the identified potential strategies are able to continuously contribute to the performance of such ports. The research philosophy on which this study relies is the positivism paradigm and a questionnaire survey was identified as the most appropriate instrument by which to gather data and information from participants. Port stakeholders such as port/terminal operators, port authorities, shipping lines and freight forwarders that are experts in the port business operations were identified as the relevant individuals or organisations to receive the questionnaire. To analyse the data, standard Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) in SPSS version 22 was employed. In particular, Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) or preliminary analysis was then conducted in sequence to determine the right statistical analysis technique to be employed, and standard MRA analysis was used to conduct the inferential analysis of the current study. The results show that the spatial characteristics of peripheral ports and the integration strategy of a port into the supply chain play a significant role in adding more sustainability benefits to the transportation supply chain and subsequently contribute to the performance of peripheral ports. The results can be used by peripheral ports as a guideline to promote themselves as a sustainable supply chain network in association with spatial characteristics and the strategy of port supply chain integration. This advantage can be a huge and attractive springboard for such ports to strengthen their performance since regulation on environmental issues has become an important agenda not only among government sectors (regulatory pressures) and non-government organisations (NGOs-communities pressures) but also among suppliers and customers (market pressures-port users) in contending with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in particular carbon emissions by logistic activities and operations.

This thesis examined the management of supply chain risks in the maritime transport industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) has quickly become of critical importance to the world economy. Though the transport of oil from this region impacts the economies of countries around the world, it has received too little attention from the academic community. This thesis focused on expanding the field of SCRM by examining how various risk assessment and management concepts and practices are understood, interpreted and implemented throughout the region. The majority of existing supply chain management and risk management models have been developed and are currently rooted in the US and Europe. Therefore, this thesis is of high significance because its major aim was to explore these concepts and models, namely one focused on the Middle East. This approach allowed the thesis to examine and test certain factors associated with SCRM, such as risk categories, risk assessment and risk strategies, in maritime firms in Saudi Arabia. The thesis thereby offers insights that were not otherwise available in prior research. In achieving these aims, the researcher addressed three key research questions. The thesis was conducted by relying on the constructivist approach to data collection. The specific qualitative methodology of the case study was employed to collect a wide variety of useful and reliable data, including interviews, focus groups, direct observation and historical records. The research model included all risks present in the maritime industry in Saudi Arabia. These risks were classified in a meaningful way to be addressed and explained in this thesis. The findings of this study revealed the strategies that could be used in order to deal with potential risks. It also exposed the reality of the situation to professionals involved in risk management decisions in the maritime industry who currently view their companies’ risks management processes as efficient. Finally, the research model was found applicable to the maritime firms. The conceptual model for SCRM in this thesis was a combination iii of four sections that helped the researcher to discover, identify, evaluate and present techniques to reduce supply chain risk. This thesis provides insights into the management of maritime firms risks in supply chains. The thesis provides a new classification of risk in terms of the maritime industry. It finds the tools that could help maritime firms to identify risk. And it prvides the strategies that are suitable to confront risk in maritime industry. On the whole, there was no studies found that had researched supply chain risk management in terms of maritime industry at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the research of supply chain risk management using this revealed metholodgy is an approach to understand the risks that currently confront maritime industry.

Supply networks are the means by which products are delivered to market. Organisations within supply networks exploit their capabilities to co-create value with customers. Perspectives are needed across multiple organisations in . the network if supply network performance is to be maximised. Measures of performance include responsiveness and reduced costs. This research explored means of visualizing one aspect of supplier capability, namely capacity, and its implications for supply network performance. An application of discrete event simulation was used to visualize suppliers' capacities in supply network contexts. A framework for the visualization of supply networks was established based upon requirements elicited from a review of literature. The framework was used to evaluate three broad approaches to the visualizat10n of supplier capability in supply networks. A common feature of these approaches was the static nature of the data being visualized. Given the nature of demand fluctuations, a dynamic visualization of capacity would allow risks to be made visible to decision makers. Three case studies were used. An initial case study, based on a civil aerospace supply network, highlighted the importance of employing supply network best practices. These include involving suppliers in the design and development of products and using continuous improvement approaches such as waste elimination to shorten manufacturing lead times. These two are key success factors for an organisation's long term supply network performance. Two further case studies were based . on a bicycle supply network. One was used to build understanding of the interplay between supply network and product structure. This led to a recognition that a product structure influences network structure. In turn, network structure influences supply network processes, and supply network performance is a measure of the performance of these processes. For changes in demand, the bill of materials can be used to predict capacity demands in the supply network. The second bicycle case study was used to explore the potential of discrete event simulation tools to visualise the consequences of surges in demand and allow alternative capacity strategies to be explored.