Supply Chain - Science topic

Nicole Li There are numerous ways to streamline the process:

1. Install Technology and Automation (Smart Factory, Digital Twins)

2. Enhance Supply Chain Connectivity (Tracking, real-data-Analysis)

3. Boost Inventory Management (Route and Consolidation Optimization)

4. Lean Manufacturing and Quality Management Principles

5. Boost Improve Workforce Efficiency and Sustainability Integration

etc.

Thank you, Hasan Altawil

Strategic investments, global collaboration, and technological innovation are essential to overcome these logistical hurdles and establish a sustainable green hydrogen supply chain.

Dr Moses Jeremiah Barasa Kabeyi

you are welcome to submit your paper to one of the sessions, you can find all sessions on this link:

https://www.atiner.gr/2025sessions

I will be chairing session 7 (Sustainable Supply Chain Management for the Circular Economy)

Deadline is Nov 19th

good luck

Conventional automotive consumes oil as fuel to generate energy by combustion or pressurized than electric vehicle use battery as power source

In Africa, digitalization is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, interact with stakeholders, and drive growth. By embracing digital technologies, procurement and supply chain management (SCM) are becoming more efficient, transparent, traceable, and resilient.

Digitalization is transforming African businesses in remarkable ways including:

While digitalization holds immense promise for Africa, there are still challenges we need to overcome individually and collectively:

In mitigating supply chain risks and improving resilience, digitalization helps mitigate supply chain risks and improve resilience in the following ways:

By understanding these benefits, challenges, and opportunities, African businesses can unlock the full potential of digitalization, driving growth, innovation, and prosperity.

By exploring these research directions and methodologies, your study can provide valuable insights into the influence of digitalization on procurement and supply chain management in Africa, ultimately contributing to improved supply chain resilience and risk mitigation.

Thank you for your response and attention

In mathematical inventory models, historical demand data must be analyzed to understand the pattern of variation in demand by finding the demand rate and standard deviation, then finding the coefficient of variation for demand. Using the coefficient of variation, the type of demand can be determined, whether it is deterministic or probabilistic.

If the coefficient of variation is less than 20%, this means that the demand is deterministic . If the coefficient of variation is greater than 20%, this means that the demand is probabilistic and must be addressed using probability theory, as the probability distribution of the demand data is found.

*The type of lead time must be known in the place of application, whether it is deterministic or probabilistic, because it affects the inventory model. Using historical data, the type of lead time is known to estimate its probability distribution.

*Determining the level of service required by the decision maker in the place of application, usually estimated between (95 - 99%), which represents the probability of meeting customer demand without running out of stock during the replenishment cycle.

*The type of review of inventory levels is determined (continuous review or periodic review)

Continuous review: In this system, inventory levels are monitored continuously, and a supply request is submitted when the inventory reaches the reorder point.

Periodic review: Inventory is reviewed at fixed intervals, and the order volume is adjusted to restore inventory to a target level.

*Calculating inventory costs in your model:

1-Holding cost :It is the cost of keeping one unit for each Inventory cycle and includes the cost of place, insurance cost, examination and inspection cost

2-Setup cost :It is the cost of preparing the order or preparing the machines for each order, as it is calculated for each order and begins with the issuance of the purchase or production order and ends with the arrival of the materials to the stored. It includes costs issuing documents, transporting, unloading materials and arranging them in stores, communications, employee salaries and other administrative costs

3-Shortage cost: It is the represents the cost of loss that the company or institution will incur will incur due to not having inventory when it is needed, as well as the bad impact on the company's reputation.

The main goal of inventory models is to minimize total cost while achieving the required level of service

to meet customer demands.

*Intelligent techniques such as artificial neural network or deep learning can be used to predict demand based on historical demand data and then build a mathematical model for inventory based on the prediction results.

*Artificial intelligence algorithms such as genetic algorithm or swarm algorithms and others can be used to solve the probabilistic inventory model and improve the classical solution of the inventory model.

During crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, digital supply chains bolstered the resilience of global value chains (GVCs) by providing real-time visibility, automation, and remote management. Technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud platforms helped mitigate disruptions in traditional supply chains, enabling greater flexibility and responsiveness. However, the pandemic also exposed vulnerabilities in GVCs, particularly those dependent on centralized, physical hubs, emphasizing the critical need for robust digital integration to ensure continuity and adaptability during disruptions.

To enhance clarity and impact, consider refining the title to: “Optimizing Supply Chain Efficiency in Telecommunications Using Advanced Warehouse Management Systems in the Industry 4.0 Era.” If your research focuses on specific technologies like IoT, AI, or predictive analytics, incorporating them into the title can sharpen your focus.

1. Drivers vs. Enablers

2. Barriers vs. Challenges

3. Risk vs. Challenges

In the Context of Industry 4.0 Adoption Risks

For studying Industry 4.0 adoption, consider the following:

Research Guidance

Thank you for raising this issue, I believe AI can support and help in preventing environmental issues related to global warming and potential for shortage in many directions starting from adopting AI applications for crop monitoring, which can detect pest infestations, monitor crop, plants, and trees health or event to detect water stress at early stages to allow farmers or the representative stakeholders to take the corrective actions of decisions at the right time. Moreover, there might be a need for applications that is able to analyze weather patterns and soil conditions and historical data to predict or forecast the yield to better plan resources by optimizing the use of water, fertilizer and pesticides to minimize the food waste at farming stage and reduce the associated environmental impacts.

When it comes to the supply chains, AI can support in demand forecasting based on the different factors such as population growth, climate conditions, dynamic prices, market trends and conditions to prevent overproduction or shortages (this paper might be interesting in this domain https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clpl.2023.100034). Furthermore, AI can support in optimizing the logistics and distribution operations and activities. Such as route optimization, supply chain network design (refer to this paper: https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114463). This can lead to prevent waste generation due to the long transportation time. Adding to it, the factors that might increase the waste while transporting food from one stage to another in the supply chain such as the packaging material as highlighted here: https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912644. Innovation in food supply chains is a plus such as transforming from linear supply chains to circular supply chains to adopt applicable and suitable circular economy strategies as included here: doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2023.200199.

AI can also support in adopting alternative farming strategies such as controlling vertical farms to maximize yield and reduce the yield gap. From another point of view, the adaptive farming practices so that farmers can adapt to changing climate conditions by for example recommending crops varieties, planting and irrigation times and optimizing the irrigation water. Additionally, digitalizing food supply chain by implementing decision support tool can help in analyzing huge amounts of data to provide insight for policy and decision making process and simulating the different scenarios including climate change, conflicts to support the decisionmakers to plan for potential food crisis. Also, providing training for the different stakeholders can provide with personalized advice and training to improve their ability to adapt to changing conditions and adopt sustainability practices. and finally, consumer awareness is an important factor here, where AI can help to raise awareness about sustainability issues of the different food products to encourage consumers to shift toward more sustainable options.

Please note that I have written three textbooks on supply chain excellence. They are: 'Supply Chain Leadership', 'Supply Chain Processes', and 'Supply Chain Analytics'.

Taken together, they provide a roadmap to supply chain competence leading to genuine competitive advantage. Hope they can assist your cause.

Cheers,

Peter Robertson.

Supply Chain is the process that starts from the production of a product to its delivery to the customer.

Logistics Specialist is a profession widely used in supply chain management, warehousing, transportation and distribution parts. This user, who has knowledge about the planning, coordination and management of the logistics sector, works towards the goal of customer satisfaction and cost savings.

1. Adoption of Technological Innovations

a. Precision Agriculture:Precision agriculture involves the use of technology such as GPS, remote sensing, and data analytics to optimize field-level management regarding crop farming. Implementing precision agriculture can help small farmers increase yields by ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water, nutrients, and pest control at the right times.

b. Mobile Technology and Apps:Mobile applications can provide small farmers with access to real-time information on weather forecasts, market prices, pest management, and best practices. This can improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

c. Mechanization:Introducing affordable and efficient agricultural machinery can significantly enhance productivity. Mechanization reduces the time and labor required for planting, harvesting, and processing, thus allowing farmers to manage larger areas and improve efficiency.

2. Capacity Building and Training

a. Extension Services:Agricultural extension services play a critical role in providing farmers with knowledge and technical support. Training programs should focus on modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, and business management skills to improve productivity and profitability.

b. Knowledge Sharing Platforms:Establishing platforms for knowledge sharing, such as farmer cooperatives or online forums, allows small farmers to exchange information, experiences, and best practices, which can lead to improved farming techniques and enhanced productivity.

3. Improving Access to Inputs and Resources

a. Quality Seeds and Fertilizers:Ensuring that small farmers have access to high-quality seeds and fertilizers is crucial for increasing crop yields. Support from government or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in providing these inputs can lead to improved agricultural outcomes.

b. Irrigation and Water Management:Investing in efficient irrigation systems and water management practices can help small farmers overcome water scarcity issues and increase crop yields. Techniques such as drip irrigation or rainwater harvesting can be effective.

4. Market Access and Value Chain Integration

a. Cooperative Formation:Forming or joining cooperatives can help small farmers achieve economies of scale, gain better bargaining power, and access resources and markets that might otherwise be out of reach. Cooperatives can also facilitate the processing and marketing of agricultural products.

b. Direct Market Access:Establishing direct links between small farmers and consumers or retailers can enhance market access and reduce dependency on intermediaries. Farmers' markets, online sales platforms, and contract farming agreements are examples of direct marketing strategies.

c. Supply Chain Partnerships:Building partnerships with agribusinesses, processors, and distributors can integrate small farmers into the agricultural supply chain more effectively. These partnerships can provide farmers with better access to markets and fairer prices for their products.

5. Financial and Risk Management

a. Access to Credit:Providing small farmers with access to affordable credit can enable them to invest in inputs, technology, and infrastructure that enhance productivity. Microfinance institutions and agricultural banks can play a key role in this regard.

b. Insurance and Risk Mitigation:Implementing crop insurance schemes and risk management practices can help farmers mitigate the financial impact of adverse weather events, pests, and diseases. Risk mitigation strategies contribute to long-term stability and productivity.

6. Policy Support and Advocacy

a. Government Policies:Advocating for supportive government policies and subsidies that target small farmers can create a favorable environment for increased productivity. Policies may include subsidies for inputs, investment in rural infrastructure, and support for agricultural research.

b. Land Rights and Security:Ensuring secure land tenure and property rights for small farmers is essential for long-term agricultural investment and productivity. Legal frameworks that protect farmers’ land rights can encourage investment and improve productivity.

Implementing these strategies requires a coordinated effort among governments, NGOs, the private sector, and the farmers themselves. By addressing technological, educational, financial, and market-related challenges, it is possible to significantly enhance the productivity of small farmers and strengthen their role in the agricultural supply chain. This comprehensive approach not only boosts agricultural output but also contributes to broader economic development and food security.

Bünyami̇n Daldiran Your answer looks like ChatGPT or Gemini generated or a copy from a textbook on supply chain management.

I put your answer in 2 different AI detectors: www.zerogpt.com and www.QuillBot.com.

The 1st one outcome was: this text is 78% AI/GPT generated; the 2nd was: 100% of the text is likely AI generated.

Yet, you posted this text under your name without mentioning an AI help or the textbook reference. It is called plagiarism. Shame on you.

Thank you Januardi Januardi

Hello Stanislav Popov, thank you so much for responding Sir, so, off the back of your response, would I be right in saying that in optimising the process. This does encourage the fast fashion model, and in its own way attracts the challenges mostly faced by the industry, such as waste, pollution and abuse of workers rights. Will I be right in thinking that?

Here are some academic references and sources that discuss the benefits and rationale of focusing on lean supply chain activities versus lean supply chain practices:

These references collectively provide a strong academic basis for understanding why focusing on lean supply chain activities can be more beneficial than focusing on lean supply chain practices in certain contexts.

4o

Elimination of waste and reducing supply chain costs

Md Mostafizur Rahman

Supply chain logistics play a critical role in reducing post-harvest losses and increasing agricultural efficiency by optimizing the movement of agricultural products from farms to consumers. Efficient logistics ensure timely and proper handling of harvested crops, minimizing exposure to spoilage, pests, and physical damage. This includes appropriate storage facilities, transportation methods, and packaging techniques tailored to the specific needs of different crops. Additionally, logistics help in maintaining the quality and freshness of agricultural products during distribution, thereby reducing waste and improving market access for farmers. By streamlining supply chains, implementing cold chain systems where necessary, and enhancing coordination between stakeholders, logistics contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture practices and food security, ensuring that more of the harvest reaches consumers in optimal condition while reducing environmental impact.

It is recommended to read the CALL FOR PAPERS” in top tier SCM journals. Although role of AI & service robots are in trend and you can go for short reviews but following topics / journals may help you Out:

1. Evolving Nature of Supplier Relationships:

- Exploration of how global supply chains are adapting supplier relationships post-pandemic.

- Example: "Reconfiguring Supplier Relationships in Global Supply Chains" in Journal of Supply Chain Management

2. Managing Supplier Risk and Resilience:

- Strategies and frameworks for enhancing supplier risk management and building resilience.

- Example: "Supplier Risk Management and Resilience Strategies" in Supply Chain Management: An International Journal

3. Digital Transformation in Procurement:

- Impact of digital tools and technologies on procurement processes and supplier interactions.

- Example: "Digital Procurement and Supplier Interaction" in Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management

4. *Sustainability and Ethics in Supplier Management:

- Ethical considerations and sustainability practices in supplier selection and relationship management.

- Example: "Sustainable Procurement Practices and Ethical Supplier Management" in Journal of Cleaner Production

5. Collaborative Innovation and Performance Improvement:

- Collaborative approaches between buyers and suppliers for innovation and performance enhancement.

- Example: "Collaborative Innovation in Supplier Relationships" in International Journal of Production Economics*.

6. Cultural and Organizational Factors:

- Influence of cultural and organizational factors on shaping supplier relationships.

- Example: "Cultural Dynamics in Supplier Relationship Management" in International Journal of Operations & Production Management

**Special Issue Call:**

- Journal of Supply Chain Management: Call for papers on "Digital Transformation and Supply Chain Resilience."

- International Journal of Production Economics: Special issue on "Sustainable and Ethical Procurement Practices."

MSMEs are crucial in emergency supply chain management due to their:

Basically, Machine learning algorithm can be used in quality control to predict any defect on the products. Which means, as supply chain manager at specific time has to substitute the defect product with the normal product. If we connect the problem to the supply chain modelling, you can start to model an production and inventory optimization considering product defect. I think you can start with this inventory model:

So for the data input, you can use machine learning algorithm to predict the outcome. Then you use the outcome as the basic of the inventory optimization.

Dear Kiuling Lai

I really appreciate the quick response. Perfect, I will be presenting a work at the event and if it is accepted, I will request to present the work in virtual mode (remote).

I don't know about the specified variables, but there is the database of "The EORA Global Supply Chain Database. https://worldmrio.com/.

Also, you can check industry reports from the Statista database, or maybe the World Bank and Eurostat.

Gamification can be a powerful (sometimes too powerful) tool for change, but it can easily do more harm than good. Thankfully, all of these problems can be avoided by doing the right qualitative research early in the design process. These are some of the most common qualitative methods: Observations: recording what you have seen, heard, or encountered in detailed field notes. Interviews: personally asking people questions in one-on-one conversations. Focus groups: asking questions and generating discussion among a group of people. Qualitative research focuses on gaining insight and understanding about an individual's perception of events and circumstances. Once the process route has been decided, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) are created which show the main pieces of process equipment and where material is flowing (Supply Chain activities).

You can work on following point.

1. How do firms integrate sustainability principles into their supply chain management practices?

2. What are the key challenges faced by organizations in implementing sustainable supply chain management strategies?

3. What is the impact of sustainable supply chain management on firm performance and competitive advantage?

4. How do different industries vary in their adoption and implementation of sustainable supply chain practices?

5. What are the most effective strategies for promoting stakeholder engagement in sustainable supply chain initiatives?

ResearchGate Link:

(PDF) Improving Lean engagement through utilising improved communication, recognition and digitalisation during the COVID-19 pandemic in JLR's powertrain machining facility (researchgate.net)

ResearchGate Link:

(PDF) Improving Lean engagement through utilising improved communication, recognition and digitalisation during the COVID-19 pandemic in JLR's powertrain machining facility (researchgate.net)

Hi George,

OK, no problem. All the best with you ongoing research.

Below is the researchgate paper which has now been added, if you do pick this research up again in the future:

(PDF) Improving Lean engagement through utilising improved communication, recognition and digitalisation during the COVID-19 pandemic in JLR's powertrain machining facility (researchgate.net)

Best Regards

Martin

I'm interested

I'd be happy to help you with your sustainable supply chain research proposal! To get started, you need some more information about your specific interests and goals.

Here are some questions to consider:

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

Sobur Setiaman has written a marvellous response that sums all this up. Throughout my lifetime, I have seen the digital transformation take place. It wasn't thought of when I was younger and developed radically while I was doing my PhD in the early part of this millennium.

We take things like Netflix for granted and they improve the quality of our lives. And I only do ResearchGate as social media, but would really miss it if it was not part of my life.

Thank you

Emerging technologies, including e-commerce platforms, have significantly transformed the operational efficiency within the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model. Here are some ways in which specific emerging technologies have played a crucial role:

1. **E-commerce Platforms:**

- **Improved Accessibility:** E-commerce platforms enable D2C brands to reach a global audience without the need for a physical retail presence. Consumers can easily browse, purchase, and receive products from the comfort of their homes.

- **Data-driven Insights:** E-commerce platforms provide robust analytics and data tracking tools. D2C brands can leverage this data to understand customer behavior, preferences, and trends, enabling them to make data-driven decisions for inventory management, marketing strategies, and product development.

2. **Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):**

- **Personalization:** AI and ML algorithms help D2C brands analyze customer data to offer personalized product recommendations, enhancing the overall customer experience and increasing the likelihood of conversion.

- **Demand Forecasting:** These technologies assist in predicting demand patterns, optimizing inventory levels, and reducing the risk of overstock or stockouts. This, in turn, improves operational efficiency by streamlining supply chain processes.

3. **Blockchain Technology:**

- **Supply Chain Transparency:** Blockchain enhances transparency in the supply chain by providing an immutable ledger of transactions. D2C brands can use blockchain to trace the origin of products, ensuring authenticity and ethical sourcing, which can build trust among consumers.

4. **Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):**

- **Enhanced Customer Engagement:** AR and VR technologies enable D2C brands to offer immersive shopping experiences. Consumers can virtually try on products, visualize items in their homes before purchase, and engage with brands in unique and interactive ways, leading to increased customer engagement.

5. **Internet of Things (IoT):**

- **Smart Logistics:** IoT devices can be used to track and monitor shipments in real-time. D2C brands can optimize their logistics and supply chain operations by leveraging IoT for efficient route planning, reducing delivery times, and minimizing costs.

6. **Chatbots and Virtual Assistants:**

- **Customer Support:** AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, handling routine queries and issues. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also frees up human resources for more complex tasks, enhancing operational efficiency.

7. **Mobile Technologies:**

- **Mobile Commerce (m-commerce):** The prevalence of smartphones and mobile apps has facilitated seamless mobile shopping experiences. D2C brands can leverage mobile technologies to reach consumers on-the-go, driving sales and enhancing customer engagement.

8. **Voice Commerce:**

- **Conversational Commerce:** Voice-activated devices and virtual assistants enable users to make purchases using voice commands. D2C brands can optimize their platforms for voice commerce, providing an additional channel for customer interaction and sales.

In summary, emerging technologies, especially those related to e-commerce and data analytics, have revolutionized the way D2C brands operate. These advancements not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to a more personalized and engaging experience for consumers.

The Austrian theory of business cycles and the bullwhip effect in the supply chain are concepts from different domains, but there are some parallels that can be drawn between them in terms of their impact on economic and business cycles.

1. **Austrian Theory of Business Cycles:**

- The Austrian theory of business cycles is an economic theory associated with the Austrian School of Economics, particularly economists like Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek. It suggests that business cycles are caused by fluctuations in the money supply and credit expansion by central banks.

- According to this theory, when there is an artificial expansion of credit, it leads to malinvestments and misallocations of resources. This, in turn, results in a boom followed by a bust when the unsustainable investments are exposed.

2. **Bullwhip Effect in the Supply Chain:**

- The bullwhip effect refers to the amplification of demand variability along the supply chain. Small fluctuations in consumer demand can lead to larger and more exaggerated variations in orders placed by retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers upstream in the supply chain.

- Factors contributing to the bullwhip effect include information delays, order batching, and inventory fluctuations. It can lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and challenges in maintaining optimal inventory levels.

**Potential Connections:**

- Both concepts highlight the impact of distortions and fluctuations in a system. The Austrian theory focuses on economic cycles influenced by credit expansion, while the bullwhip effect deals with the amplification of demand variability in a supply chain.

- In both cases, there is a potential for distortions to cascade through the system, leading to suboptimal outcomes. The bullwhip effect could be seen as a form of distortion in the supply chain that results in larger-than-expected fluctuations in production and inventory levels.

While there are some conceptual similarities, it's important to note that the Austrian theory of business cycles is a macroeconomic theory dealing with the overall economy, while the bullwhip effect is a phenomenon within the realm of supply chain management. They provide insights into different aspects of economic and business systems, but their direct relationship is more conceptual than direct.

Hi Soha,

I suggest that you follow the following steps:

1. Choose a number of peer-reviewed research papers related to your intended research, from Google Scholar, RG, SSRN or similar credible websites, not from non-credible sources.

2. Read these research papers and check for the research gaps from within such research. You may find these gaps under the subtitle: Future Research or similar subtitles.

3. Ensure that such gaps are not already covered by recent research. That is, for the gap that you want to cover, read to the last current research in this regard to make sure that no other author(s) already conducted such research.

4. Then, go ahead and start preparing for your research, preferably using the Literature Review Matrix where you put a table showing authors, title, objectives, research question(s), problem statement, variables, methodologies used, findings, etc. for each research paper selected. By the way, you may want to keep such relevant research papers to use them as references in your research.

Yes, supply chains can learn and get better over time. They use past experiences and data to improve how they work. For example, they might use smart technology to better predict how much product to have in stock or to make deliveries more efficiently. It's like learning from mistakes and successes to become more effective and responsive.