Le développement de la maturité supply chain est une préoccupation croissante des entreprises évoluant dans un environnement qui se transforme profondément et simultanément dans plusieurs domaines. S’adossant à plusieurs initiatives proposées sous forme de référentiels, les entreprises progresser quelque peu avec difficulté. S’inscrivant dans un paradigme post-positiviste, cette recherche se concentre sur la conception d’un modèle qui permet d’évaluer la maturité, sur plusieurs dimensions, de la supply chain. Ces objectifs ont été atteints à partir d’une revue approfondie de la littérature, mais également à partir de la réalisation d’une étude empirique. D’une part, les concepts de supply chain, de supply chain management, de maturité supply chain, ainsi que des capacités relatives ont été revus en profondeur, et d’autre part, les référentiels d’évaluation dans le domaine de la logistique, de la gestion des opérations et du supply chain management ont été étudiés et confrontés aux capacités de maturité supply chain établies. Cela a donné lieu à la conception d’un modèle qui s’appuie sur les modèles antérieurs pour proposer des critères qui les complètent. Ce modèle a été validé auprès d’un échantillon de 115 répondants (Directeurs logistique, supply chain managers, etc.). L’analyse des données collectées s’est appuyée sur les modèles d’équations structurelles, en l’occurrence PLS-PM (régressions aux moindres carrées partiels). Cette analyse, précédée d’une analyse univariée et d’une analyse en composantes principales a permis de constater la validité convergente ainsi que la validité discriminante des échelles de mesures, mais également de l’existence de liens d’impacts variables entre les différentes dimensions et la maturité supply chain. Les résultats de cette recherche montrent que la maturité est principalement constituée par les dimensions opérationnelles et stratégiques, suivies par les dimensions informationnelles, structurelles, organisationnelles et humaines. La thèse établit le constat selon lequel la dimension de risques et de résilience, la dimension relationnelle et la dimension de développement durable et de responsabilité sociale ont le moins d’impact dans la structuration de la maturité supply chain. Une fois le modèle validé, la maturité effective des entreprises de l’échantillon a été évaluée en utilisant l’analyse Importance/Maturité. Les résultats émanant de cette analyse montrent une forte maturité supply chain des entreprises par rapport aux dimensions stratégiques, structurelles, organisationnelles, de risques et de résilience, ce qui n’est pas le cas par rapport aux autres dimensions, où l’analyse a décelé une maturité moyenne à faible.Cela suggère aux entreprises de concentrer leurs efforts sur les aspects opérationnels, relationnels, informationnels et relatifs au développement durable et à la responsabilité sociale. / Supply chain maturity development is a growing concern for companies operating in an environment that is changing profoundly and simultaneously in several areas. Teaming up with several initiatives proposed as standards, companies make some progress with difficulty. As part of a post-positivist paradigm, this research focuses on the design of a model, which assesses the maturity of several dimensions of the supply chain. These objectives have been achieved from a thorough review of the literature, but also from the realization of an empirical study. On the one hand, the concepts of supply chain, supply chain management, supply chain maturity, as well as related capacity were reviewed in depth.On the other hand, assessment reference models in logistics, operations management and supply chain management have been studied and compared to capabilities of supply chain maturity established. This led to the design of a model based on earlier ones to propose criteria that complement them. This model was validated with a sample of 115 respondents (Directors logistics, supply chain managers, etc.). The analysis of the data collected was based on structural equation models, namely PLS-PM (Partial Least Squares -Path Modeling). This analysis was preceded by univariate analysis and principal component analysis, showed convergent validity and discriminant validity of measurement scales, but also the existence of links with variable impact between dimensions and supply chain maturity. Results of this research show that maturity is mainly constituted by the operational and strategic dimensions, followed by informational, structural, organizational and human resourcesdimensions. The thesis establishes that the maturity level of risk and resilience, relational and sustainable development and social responsibility dimensions have the least impact on the structuring of the supply chain maturity. Once validated, the effective maturity of the firms in the sample was evaluated using the Importance/Maturity analysis. Results from this analysis show a strong supply chain maturity of the company in relation to strategic dimensions, structural, organizational, risk and resilience, which is not the case with respect to other dimensions, where the analysis has identified low average maturity. This suggests that companies focus their efforts on the operational, relational, informational aspects and those related to sustainable development and social responsibility.

Submitted by Karina Tonelli Silveira Dias null (kaasdias@live.com) on 2018-02-26T19:06:53Z No. of bitstreams: 1 KarinaDias_PGAD_TUPA_021028.pdf: 1965480 bytes, checksum: 91fe7ccc86915e49dece9207404943a0 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Eliana Katia Pupim (katiapupim@tupa.unesp.br) on 2018-03-02T19:50:59Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 dias _kts_me_tupa.pdf: 1965480 bytes, checksum: 91fe7ccc86915e49dece9207404943a0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-03-02T19:51:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dias _kts_me_tupa.pdf: 1965480 bytes, checksum: 91fe7ccc86915e49dece9207404943a0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-01 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A logística empresarial, tanto direta quanto reversa, é uma importante atividade da cadeia de suprimentos, capaz de gerir matéria-prima, estoques, transportes, informações, entre outros recursos. Diretamente relacionada a fatores ambientais, a logística reversa ganha destaque no contexto empresarial, principalmente após a criação da abordagem da green supply chain management. Esta considera os aspectos ambientais e financeiros relacionados ao ciclo de vida do produto, o que envolve a participação de todos os elos da cadeia a qual ele pertence. Impulsionada por fatores ambientais, legais, sociais e econômicos, a logística reversa surge como uma oportunidade de ganhos, principalmente para o setor do varejo supermercadista, que é um grande gerador de resíduos recicláveis, advindos das embalagens de transporte dos produtos que serão comercializados. Diante disso, o objetivo do trabalho é analisar como as organizações supermercadistas utilizam a logística reversa, como ferramenta para gestão de retornos de embalagens plásticas e de papelão, para adquirir melhor resultado ambiental e financeiro, proposto pela abordagem da green supply chain management. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de multicasos junto a uma rede de supermercados. Uma vez que a abordagem do estudo trabalha sobre o conceito da green supply chain management, primeiramente foi identificada, por meio de literatura, a cadeia de pós-consumo do plástico e do papelão, no que diz respeito aos elos posteriores ao descarte do varejista e aos possíveis impactos ambientais gerados sobre as atividades de produção, descarte e reciclagem dos materiais. Posteriormente, dada a identificação de que a cadeia de reciclagem é a melhor solução sob o aspecto ambiental, e correlacionada esta atividade à logística reversa, foi dado início ao estudo de caso. Por meio deste, foi feita a caracterização de como a atividade ocorre na organização, bem como obtidos os volumes de materiais originados, as receitas, investimentos, custos e despesas incorridas sobre a atividade. Estes dados foram analisados segundo os aspectos ambientais e financeiros. Nas análises ambientais, foram apresentados os volumes de materiais que são destinados à logística reversa. Como complemento, o método de Material Input Per Service Unit (MIPS) foi utilizado. Para a análise dos resultados financeiros, foi feita uma estatística descritiva sobre os volumes e preço recebido pela venda do material. Esta permitiu a elaboração de três cenários (pessimista, realista e otimista), determinados segundo o volume de materiais. Estes ainda variaram segundo as receitas obtidas. Para cada um dos cenários foram elaborados fluxos de caixa e calculados índices financeiros (VPL e TIR). Como principais resultados, identificou-se que a organização varejista, bem como os compradores dos materiais, está preocupada com os aspectos ambientais e percebem a importância da logística reversa para o retorno do material ao ciclo produtivo. Entretanto, a questão financeira recebe maior ênfase. De fato, a rentabilidade gerada é atrativa, tanto para organizações que possuem altos volumes de materiais quanto para organizações com volumes menores e vendendo-os a um preço menor do que o praticado no mercado de sucatas. Contudo, por ser uma atividade recentemente implantada na organização, esta ainda está em adaptação e vêm recebendo ênfase nos últimos anos. Assim, há possíveis melhorias a serem desenvolvidas na atividade reversa. / The Business Logistics, both direct and reverse, are an important activity in the supply chain, capable of managing raw materials, inventories, transportation, information, and other resources. Directly related to environmental factors, reverse logistics is highlighted in the business context, especially after the creation of the green supply chain management approach. It considers the environmental and financial aspects related to the product life cycle, which involves the participation of all links in the chain to which it belongs. Promoted by environmental, legal, social and economic factors, reverse logistics appears as an opportunity for gains, mainly for the grocery retail, which is a large generator of recyclable waste, coming from the packaging of the products that will be commercialized. Therefore, the objective of this work is to analyze how supermarket organizations use reverse logistics as a tool to manage plastic and cardboard returns to achieve a better environmental and financial result, proposed by the green supply chain management approach. For that, a multicases study was carried out with a supermarket chain. Since the approach of the study works on the concept of green supply chain management, the post-consumption chain of plastic and paperboard was first identified through literature, concerning to the links after the retailer's disposal, and to the possible environmental impacts generated on the activities of production, disposal and recycling of materials. Subsequently, given the identification that the recycling chain is the best solution from the environmental aspect, and correlated this activity with reverse logistics, the case study was started. Through this, the characterization of how the activity occurs in the organization, as well as the volumes of materials originated, the revenues, investments, costs and expenses incurred on the activity were obtained. These data were analyzed according to environmental and financial aspects. In the environmental analyzes, the volumes of materials destined to the reverse logistics were presented. As a complement, the Material Input Per Service Unit (MIPS) method was used. For the analysis of the financial results, a descriptive statistic was made on the volumes and price received for the sale of the material. This allowed the elaboration of three scenarios (pessimistic, realist and optimistic), determined according to the volume of materials. These still varied according to the revenue obtained. For each of the scenarios, cash flows were elaborated and financial indices (NPV and IRR) were calculated. As main results, it was identified that the retail organization, as well as the purchasers of the materials, is concerned with the environmental aspects and realize the importance of the reverse logistics for the return of the material to the productive cycle. However, the financial issue receive more emphasis. Indeed, the profitability generated is attractive, both for organizations that have high volumes of materials and for organizations with smaller volumes and selling them at a lower price than the one practiced in the scrap market. However, because it is an activity recently implemented in the organization, it is still in adaptation and has received an emphasis in recent years. Thus, there are possible improvements to be developed in reverse activity. / FAPESP: 2016/01328-8

O desenho e a gestão de uma cadeia de suprimentos apresentam-se, hoje, como um dos problemas mais importantes e de difícil resolução encontrado pelos gestores. A gestão da cadeia de suprimentos é uma das áreas de maior interesse da Pesquisa Operacional aplicada, buscando determinar a melhor estratégia de produção, transporte e estoque com menor custo e tempo possíveis. Esta dissertação apresenta os resultados de um estudo que objetivou implementar e avaliar uma heurística baseada em Busca Tabu para otimização de uma rede de cadeia de suprimentos. Para tanto, foi utilizada uma modelagem single-source proposta por Farias e Borenstein (2012). O problema foi resolvido com uma adaptação do método de Lee e Kwon (2010), buscando por meio de operações de troca de centros de distribuição (CDs) e arcos encontrar a configuração de menor custo para uma rede de cadeia de suprimentos. Foram resolvidas as 22 instâncias propostas por Farias e Borenstein (2012) e os resultados comprovam que, para esses cenários, o método aplicado teve um bom desempenho computacional, obtendo resultados com uma redução de 81,03% no tempo médio de processamento; contudo, as soluções obtidas pela heurística apresentaram custos médios 4,98% superiores aos resultados ótimos. Por fim, o problema foi resolvido para outras quatro instâncias com características reais, comprovando a eficiência da heurística para problemas de grande escala, visto que todas as soluções foram obtidas em um tempo inferior a 2 minutos de processamento. / The design and supply chain management are currently one of the most important and difficult problems encountered by business managers. Supply chain management is one of the most engaging areas in applied Operations Research, which seeks to determine the best strategy regarding production, shipping and storage at the lowest cost and shortest time possible. This thesis shows the results of a research that aimed to implement and evaluate a heuristic based on Tabu Search to optimize a supply chain network. For this purpose, a single-source model proposed by Farias and Borenstein (2012) was used. The problem was solved by adapting the Lee and Kwon method (2010), exchanging distribution centers (DCs) and arcs, to find the lowest cost for a supply chain network. Twenty two instances proposed by Farias and Borenstein (2012) were resolved and the results indicate that, for these scenarios, the applied method had a good computational performance, getting results with 81.03% of reduction in the average processing time. However, there was an increase of 4.98% in the average cost of the solutions obtained through the heuristic method when compared to the optimal results. Finally, the problem was solved for four other instances with real features, proving the efficiency of the heuristic for large-scale problems, since all solutions were obtained in a time less than 2 minutes of processing.

O Gerenciamento da Cadeia de Suprimentos tem exercido um caratér estratégico para as empresas que queiram se manter competitivas. Percebe-se que é necessário ser eficiente tanto interna quanto externamente às fronteiras da empresa. Neste cenário, diversas empresas vêm obtendo bons resultados com a aplicação de práticas e iniciativas colaborativas que buscam estreitar os relacionamentos entre os parceiros comerciais ao longo da cadeia, gerando ganhos como redução de estoques, aumento do nível de serviço, aumento de vendas, redução de custos, entre outros. O objetivo desta dissertação é a identificação do atual nível de colaboração entre empresas de uma cadeia de suprimentos. A metodologia de estudo está baseada na aplicação de uma pesquisa survey na cadeia automotiva do Rio Grande do Sul e foi realizada através de questionários que foram aplicados pela internet e através de entrevistas presenciais. A pesquisa utilizou informações disponibilizadas pelo Instituto Gaúcho de Estudos Automotivos, que forneceu ainda um suporte tecnológico para o gerenciamento das informações. Os resultados revelaram que ainda são poucas as empresas que aplicam as iniciativas de supply chain, porém a expectativa é grande em relação às empresas que demonstraram interesse em aplicar diversas iniciativas nos próximos dois anos. Verificou-se ainda que o maior percentual de utilização está concentrado nas grandes empresas e as iniciativas mais utilizadas atualmente são o EDI, a Seleção e Desenvolvimento de Fornecedores e o Desenvolvimento Conjunto de Produtos. Portanto, os resultados demonstram que as empresas da cadeia automotiva gaúcha apresentam um nível de colaboração modesto, mas possuem plenas condições de otimizar os seus processos e alavancar o desempenho da cadeia como um todo a partir de uma maior aplicação das iniciativas de supply chain apresentadas neste trabalho. / The supply chain management has recently become a major concern for competitive companies. Managers recognize it is necessary for companies to be efficient both internally and externally to their boundaries. On this scenario, several companies have been achieving good results applying practices and collaborative initiatives that lead to straight the relationship between the partners along the chain. This effort also directs to reducing stock, increasing level of service, increasing in sales, reducing in costs, among others. The purpose of this study is the identification of the actual collaboration level among supply chain companies. The methodology of study is based on the application of a survey on the automotive chain of Rio Grande do Sul and was conducted using questionnaires applied online and trough appointments. This study used knowledge provided by IGEA (Instituto Gaúcho de Estudos Automotivos) that also helped offering technologic support to information management. The results shown that it is still incipient among companies the applicability of supply chain initiatives. However, there is a great expectation related with companies that are willing to use the initiatives for the next two years. In addition, the greatest utilization is concentrated on the big companies and the most utilized initiatives are EDI, supplier’s selection and development and cooperative product development. Therefore, the data suggest that automotive chain companies from RS have a moderate level of collaboration; nevertheless these companies demonstrate a great infrastructure to optimize their processes and increase general chain results with the adoption of the initiatives proposed on this project.

Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) supply chains (SCs) are becoming more and more vulnerable to different types of risks due to the increasing complexity of markets, uncertainties, and turbulence, especially in the Middle East Region (MER). The main reason behind this is the political and economic instabilities resulting from the Arab Spring revolutions which affected all SC entities. There is an urgent need to investigate how to build resilient SCs that can help all partners in the chain to proactively identify and sidestep risks, and bounce back more quickly in the case of disruptions. For this reason, this research focuses on the creation of effective SC resilience model that could help companies to avoid SC risks to reduce vulnerability instead of being reactive toward disruptions. A conceptual model for SC resilience has been developed which identified three main constructs of SC resilience: risks, capabilities, and key performance indicators (KPIs). The links between the three constructs have been established. The empirical study has been conducted in two stages. In stage one, semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from 30 companies in FMCG SCs operating in the MER. A combination of thematic and comparative analysis has been used to analyse the qualitative data collected from the interviews in order to identify the main themes (types of risks and their causes, capabilities, and relevant KPIs), and to find the relations between themes. In stage 2, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to prioritize and rank the risks, capabilities, and KPIs using pairwise comparisons by taking into account opinions and preferences from SC managers in the FMCG industry in the MER. Preceding the analysis, a second round of structured interviews according to AHP process were conducted with the same 30 companies used in stage one. The thesis adds to the SC resilience literature by empirically explore the main causes of SC vulnerabilities that the FMCG SCs face in the MER and how companies can increase their capabilities to improve the resilience performance of the entire chain. An important contribution of this thesis is the development of the model for SC resilience in FMCG industry in MER context, that provides a useful reference model to assist managers in build a resilient SC, specifically, by identifying the main types of risks and their sources, by defining relevant capabilities that can help anticipate and overcome risks, and by recommending appropriate KPIs that can act as a sensor to market dynamics in the FMCG industry in MER. The model with the matrices (of risks-capabilities-KPIs) developed in this research established the links and interactions among the risks, capabilities, and KPIs which have great potential in guiding decision makers through the SC management (SCM) process, so that more informed decisions can be made and implemented for important risks to be avoided and to create more resilient FMCG SCs.

As organizações estão cada vez mais dependentes das suas cadeias de suprimentos. Devido à globalização e outros fatores, as cadeias de suprimentos podem se tornar bastante complexas, e existem riscos internos e externos que podem afetar as cadeias de suprimentos das mais diversas formas. O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi levantar conceitos e métodos que possam facilitar a gestão de riscos na cadeia de suprimentos, através de estudos exploratórios na literatura, gerando resultados de relevância gerencial. O método se baseou em uma revisão de literatura e análise dos resultados. Como resultado da análise apresentada foi possível contribuir com a literatura da seguinte forma: (i) consolidação de definições de gestão de riscos na cadeia de suprimentos (GRCS); (ii) consolidação de um conjunto de fases que compreendem a gestão de riscos na cadeia de suprimentos em fases ou subprocessos; (iii) estruturação de um procedimento, em nível conceitual, que permita orientar a análise de riscos na cadeia de suprimentos, pela ótica do desempenho; (iv) proposição de uma Estrutura Analítica de Riscos (EAR) para GRCS que possa servir de inspiração para as análises de gestão de riscos em empresas ou para uso em pesquisas da área. / Organizations are increasingly dependent on their supply chains. Due to globalization and other factors, supply chains may become quite complex, and there are internal and external risks that may affect supply chains in many different ways. The general objective of this work was to erect concepts and methods that may facilitate the management of risks in the supply chain, through exploratory studies in the literature, generating results of managerial relevance. The method was based on a literature review and analysis of these results. As a result of the analysis presented it was possible to contribute to the literature as follows: (i) consolidation of definitions on Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM); (ii) consolidation of a set of phases that comprise the Supply Chain Risk Management in phases or subprocesses; (iii) structuring of a procedure, at a conceptual level, so as to steer risk analysis in the supply chain, based on the perspective of performance; (iv) proposal of a Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) for SCRM that may serve as inspiration for the Supply Chain Risk Management in companies or for use in research area.

Os investimentos em tecnologia da informação (TI) possibilitam a criação, sustentação e expansão das vantagens competitivas das empresas na cadeia de suprimento, sendo considerados críticos para apoiar as relações interorganizacionais. Uma forma de enfrentar as mudanças ambientais é desenhar uma governança da cadeia de suprimentos (GCS) que equilibre os interesses das organizações e as decisões dos gestores. Entretanto, tradicionalmente a cadeia de suprimentos é estudada de uma perspectiva das operações, com o foco interfuncional ou intraorganizacional, sendo necessário aumentar o escopo dos estudos sobre o assunto, combinando com diferentes temas como a TI, considerada um aspecto importante na cadeia de suprimentos. Assim, o objetivo dessa tese é desenvolver um modelo para avaliar a influência dos investimentos em TI na GCS e o efeito da GCS no desempenho da cadeia de suprimentos. Para alcançar esse objetivo, foi realizada uma pesquisa com uma etapa qualitativa e outra quantitativa. Na etapa qualitativa foram realizados estudo de casos múltiplos em seis grandes empresas brasileiras e seus fornecedores. Foi possível identificar e explorar quais os principais elementos relacionados a cada um dos constructos propostos (investimentos em TI, governança contratual, governança relacional, governança transacional e desempenho da cadeia) e desenvolver um instrumento de pesquisa inicial. Na etapa quantitativa, primeiro foi realizado um estudo survey pré-teste com uma amostra pequena de grandes empresas para refinar o instrumento de pesquisa, que posteriormente foi aplicado em uma grande amostra de empresas brasileiras chamado de estudo completo. Então foi aplicado o questionário em mais de 120 empresas e 185 questionários válidos. A partir da aplicação de análises estatísticas, utilizando modelagem de equações estruturais, foi possível validar o modelo e analisar as hipóteses de pesquisa. Foi identificado que existe uma influência significativa entre os investimentos em TI nas concepções da GCS (contratual, relacional e transacional) e com a própria governança na cadeia. Assim, os investimentos em TI são realizados para monitorar, rastrear, compartilhar informações, integrar as atividades e reduzir os custos nas transações relacionadas com a GCS entre as empresas na cadeia. Além disso, foi identificado que existe um efeito positivo da GCS como um todo e da governança contratual, em um nível menor, no desempenho da cadeia no que diz respeito mais aos indicadores financeiros, como o retorno dos investimentos e retorno sobre as vendas. Percebe-se que as práticas da governança da cadeia influenciadas pelos investimentos em TI estão relacionadas positivamente com o desempenho da cadeia de forma ampla e composta. Os gestores devem analisar os fenômenos na cadeia de forma multidimensional e não aspectos isolados e de forma individual. O estudo apresenta avanços tanto teóricos, utilizando diferentes teorias para suportar as análises e relações na cadeia e combinar diferentes temas como investimentos em TI, GCS e desempenho da cadeia, como práticos por desenvolver e validar um modelo que permite aos executivos tomarem decisões melhores na cadeia de suprimentos por possibilitar uma análise e melhor compreensão das atividades e processos na cadeia. / Information technology (IT) investments enable the creation, support and expansion of the competitive advantages of companies in the supply chain, which are considered critical to support interorganizational relationships. One way to face changes in business environmental is to design a governance supply chain (SCG) that balances the interests of organizations and the decisions of managers. However, the supply chain is traditionally studied with an operation perspective, with the focus being inter-functional or intra-organizational. It is thus necessary to increase the scope of the studies on the subject, combining different themes such as IT; which are considered an important aspect in the supply chain. The objective of this dissertation is to develop a model to evaluate the influence of IT investments in SCG and the effect of SCG on supply chain performance. For this purpose, a qualitative and a quantitative research were conducted. In the qualitative stage, multiple case studies were conducted in six large Brazilian companies and their suppliers. These studies made it possible to identify and explore which are the main elements related to each of the proposed constructs (IT investments, contractual governance, relational governance, transactional governance and supply chain performance) and develop an initial research instrument. In the quantitative phase, a pre-test survey was conducted with a small sample of large companies to refine the survey instrument to be applied on a large sample of Brazilian companies called completed study. The finalized questionnaire was then applied to more than 120 companies, resulting in 185 valid questionnaires. From the application of statistical analysis, using structural equation modeling, it was possible to validate the model and analyze the research hypotheses. It was identified that IT investments significantly influence SCG conceptions (contractual, relational and transactional) and the SCG itself. IT investments are undertaken to monitor, track, share information, integrate activities and reduce costs in transactions between companies related to SCG. Furthermore, it was identified that there is positive effect of SCG and the contractual governance, in a lower level, on the performance of supply chain with respect to more financial indicators such as return on investment and return on sales. Thus, it is clear that the practices of SCG influenced by IT investments are positively related with supply chain performance broadly and composed, in which managers must analyze phenomena in the supply with a multidimensional view; as opposed to an isolated and individual one. The study presents both theoretical advances - using different theories to support the analysis and relationships in the supply chain using different themes like IT investment, SCG and supply chain performance - and practical ones that develop and validate a model that allows managers to make better decisions in the supply chain by enabling enhanced analysis and a better understanding of the activities and processes in the supply chain.

A Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos (PNRS) entrou em vigor no Brasil em agosto de 2010. Devido à sua recente implantação, muitas organizações ainda estão se adaptando às novas visões que esta lei propõe sobre a gestão dos resíduos no país. A cadeia de suprimentos de materiais médico-hospitalares também faz parte dessa gama de organizações em adaptação, onde novos desafios a respeito da gestão dos resíduos têm surgido. Devido ao tipo de resíduo gerado nas atividades de saúde, o assunto ganha importância e merece atenção especial por parte dos agentes dessa cadeia de suprimentos. Boa parte dos resíduos gerados em atividades de saúde é considerada resíduo perigoso, por esse motivo, os objetivos da PNRS, como a redução do volume e da periculosidade desses resíduos, podem exercer pressões sobre os agentes envolvidos na fabricação, consumo e descarte dos mesmos. Assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar como ocorre a gestão da cadeia de suprimentos de materiais médico-hospitalares no estado do Rio Grande do Sul sob o enfoque da PNRS. Para isso, foram abordados agentes de três níveis dessa cadeia: 1- fornecedores de materiais médico-hospitalares, 2- hospitais e 3- empresas de tratamento de resíduos de saúde. Com a finalidade de enriquecer a visão dessa cadeia, abordaram-se também alguns órgãos governamentais relacionados às questões de resíduos. Buscou-se identificar na cadeia, a existência ou não de colaboração entre os agentes, dificuldades e oportunidades na gestão de resíduos e produtos e processos relacionados às questões de resíduos. O método utilizado foi o estudo de caso e a coleta de dados se deu por meio de entrevistas com gestores de diferentes agentes da cadeia de suprimentos de materiais médico-hospitalares no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram abordadas 11 instituições pertencentes à cadeia mencionada, das quais foram entrevistados 17 profissionais. Foi possível identificar a ausência de colaboração com os fornecedores da cadeia, e a colaboração incipiente entre os demais membros. Também foi possível identificar dificuldades como o aumento da descartabilidade dos produtos, a má segregação e a falta de tratamento adequado aos produtos químicos. As oportunidades foram apresentadas como possibilidade de intervenção do governo sobre as questões na forma de estímulo ao desenvolvimento de produtos menos agressivos e aumento das pressões legais sobre os agentes. Entre os produtos e processos destacaram-se os produtos que contenham matérias-primas menos agressivas na destinação final, a logística reversa e a substituição do consumo de produtos por serviços. / The Brazilian National Policy on Solid Waste (NPSW) entered into force in August 2010. Due to its recent implementation, many organizations are still adjusting to new visions that this law proposes in terms of waste management in the country. The supply chain of medical and hospital supplies is also part of this group of organizations that are currently in adaptation, and where new challenges regarding waste management have emerged. Due to the type of waste generated in health activities, this issue becomes important and deserves special attention from the agents of this supply chain. Much of the waste generated in health activities is considered a hazardous waste, and for that reason, the objectives of NPSW, such as reducing the volume and hazard of the waste, can put pressure on those involved in the production, consumption and disposal of this kind of waste. This study therefore aimed to identify the management of the medical and hospital supply chain in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, under the approach of NPSW. To achieve the objectives, different agents were approached, representing the three levels of the chain: 1 - suppliers of medical and hospital material, 2 - hospitals and 3 - companies specialized in the treatment of health waste. In order to enrich the results, governmental bodies were also addressed on their views towards health waste issues. Overall, the aim was to identify the existence or absence of collaboration between agents, the difficulties and opportunities in waste management and finally, the products and processes related to waste issues within this supply chain. The case study method was used and data was collected through interviews with managers of different agents in the supply chain of medical and hospital supplies in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In total, 17 professionals from 11 health-related institutions were interviewed. As main results, it was possible to identify the absence of cooperation with the suppliers of the chain, and incipient collaboration between the remaining members. It was also possible to identify difficulties, as the increasing disposability of products, poor segregation and lack of adequate treatment for chemical products. The opportunities were presented as a possibility for governmental intervention - that could act as stimulus for the development of less aggressive products and increase the legal pressure on chain agents to comply with the legislation. Among the products and processes investigated, interviewees highlighted products containing raw materials that are less aggressive in their final disposal, reverse logistics and replacement of consumer products for services.

M.Tech (Logistics: Faculty of Management Sciences) Vaal University of Technology / Effective supply chain management is largely contributing to the success of many companies around the world. From publicly owned companies to sole proprietorships, supply chain management is crucial in facilitating the effectiveness of all operations. In the food processing industry, supply chain management is regarded as important capital for both inbound and outbound logistical activities. However, implementation of supply chain management initiatives presents several challenges that hinder the effectiveness of the operations of most companies. The aim of this study was to investigate supply chain management challenges facing the food processing industry in South Africa and the effects of these challenges on business performance. Through a review of literature, seven challenges are identified, namely, human resources management, technology, facilities, supplier relationship management, customer relationship management, regulatory factors, logistics and transportation. A nine-section questionnaire was then developed using adapted measurement scales and distributed to 303 supply management professionals in food processing companies in Gauteng province. Respondents were selected using the non-probability convenience sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (Version 23.0). After testing for validity and reliability, descriptive statistics were applied in testing perceptions of respondents towards the seven supply chain management challenges and business performance. Pearson correlations were used to test for the strength and direction of associations between supply chain management challenges and business performance. Regression analysis is applied in testing whether supply chain management predicted business performance. Application of Pearson correlations revealed negative associations between all seven supply chain management challenges and business performance. This implies that business performance decreases as the intensity of the challenges increases. Regression analysis indicated that, apart from regulatory factors, six of the supply chain management challenges predict business performance. Technology emerged as the strongest predictor of business performance. The study concludes by suggesting recommendations for limiting the impact of the identified challenges on business performance.

Water systems in the Sultanate of Oman are inevitably exposed to varied threats and hazards due to both natural and man-made hazards. Natural disasters, especially tropical cyclone Gonu in 2007, cause immense damage to water supply systems in Oman. At the same time water loss from leaks is a major operational problem. This research developed an integrated approach to identify and rank the risks to the water sources, transmission pipelines and distribution networks in Oman and suggests appropriate mitigation measures. The system resilience was evaluated and an emergency response plan for the water supplies developed. The methodology involved mining the data held by the water supply utility for risk and resilience determination and operational data to support calculations of non-revenue water. Risk factors were identified, ranked and scored at a stakeholder workshop and the operational information required was principally gathered from interviews. Finally, an emergency response plan was developed by evaluating the risk and resilience factors. The risk analysis and assessment used a Coarse Risk Analysis (CRA) approach and risk scores were generated using a simple risk matrix based on WHO recommendations. The likelihoods and consequences of a wide range of hazardous events were identified through a key workshop and subsequent questionnaires. The thesis proposes a method of translating the detailed risk evaluations into resilience scores through a methodology used in transportation networks. A water audit indicated that the percentage of NRW in Oman is greater than 35% which is similar to other Gulf countries but high internationally. The principal strategy for managing NRW used in the research was the AWWA water audit method which includes free to use software and was found to be easy to apply in Oman. The research showed that risks to the main desalination processes can be controlled but the risk due to feed water quality might remain high even after implementing mitigation measures because the intake is close to an oil port with a significant risk of oil contamination and algal blooms. The most severe risks to transmission mains were found to be associated with pipe rather than pump failure. The systems in Oman were found to be moderately resilient, the resilience of desalination plants reasonably high but the transmission mains and pumping stations are very vulnerable. The integrated strategy developed in this study has a wide applicability, particularly in the Gulf area, which may have risks from exceptional events and will be experiencing NRW. Other developing countries may also experience such risks but with different magnitudes and the risk evaluation tables could provide a useful format for further work.