Lean thinking in medical commodities supply chains: applicability and success factors for Tanzanian health supply chains

IF 3.2 Q2 MANAGEMENT
S. Kessy, G. Salema, Y. Simwita
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine lean thinking in medical commodities supply chains by considering its applications and success factors. It determines the drivers and wastes of medical commodity supply chain, and the existing lean tools and practices together with their application in the supply chain processes. The paper also examined the challenges and success factors for effective lean application in the medical commodities supply chains. Design/methodology/approach The study used qualitative approaches, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key informants to form the basis for data collection. Through thematic analysis, the collected data were analyzed by developing themes reflecting the objectives of the study. Findings The main drivers for waste associated with the supply chain were demand management, supplier development, institutional framework and governance. The wastes were observed at the level of inventory, operation costs, transaction costs, delays in terms of service, commodity delivery time and quality. Digitalization, information technology and standardization were the tools for medical supply chain. Poor infrastructure, unreliable internet supply, environmental uncertainty and poor management support were challenges to realizing an effective supply chain. Research limitations/implications Although the qualitative approach used in the study provides detailed information, a quantitative study covers a larger sample for generalization. Practical implications Capacity building and professionalism should be given a priority because the philosophy of lean focuses on waste removal and continuous improvement, which highly depends on the quality of human resource (Brito et al., 2020). Limited human resource capabilities in supply chain management will, therefore, result into poor operational efficiency, which are wasted. Moreover, systems interoperability is key waste minimization and, therefore, demands interventions. Social implications The government under the Ministry of Health and other key sector ministries such as local and regional governments should better understand the role of the waste drivers and adopt system-wide reforms to support improvements to remove waste in the medical supply chain. For example, the current institutional framework creates an administrative block and hence leads to wastes. This bureaucratic procedure should be removed to minimize wastes along the chain. Originality/value This study is among the first studies to determine applicability and implementation of lean in a resource-constrained context. The paper identifies contextual factors for lean implementation. This paper focused on a holistic view of the entire supply chains to enhance a well-functioning supply chain in delivering health commodities.
医疗商品供应链中的精益思维:坦桑尼亚卫生供应链的适用性和成功因素
目的本文旨在通过考虑精益思维在医疗用品供应链中的应用和成功因素来检验精益思维。它确定了医疗商品供应链的驱动因素和废物,以及现有的精益工具和实践及其在供应链过程中的应用。本文还考察了在医疗商品供应链中有效应用精益的挑战和成功因素。设计/方法论/方法该研究采用了定性方法、深入访谈和与关键信息提供者的焦点小组讨论,以形成数据收集的基础。通过主题分析,通过开发反映研究目标的主题来分析收集的数据。发现与供应链相关的浪费的主要驱动因素是需求管理、供应商发展、制度框架和治理。在库存、运营成本、交易成本、服务延误、商品交付时间和质量方面观察到了废物。数字化、信息技术和标准化是医疗供应链的工具。基础设施薄弱、互联网供应不可靠、环境不确定性和管理支持不力是实现有效供应链的挑战。研究局限性/含义尽管研究中使用的定性方法提供了详细的信息,但定量研究涵盖了更大的样本进行概括。实际意义应优先考虑能力建设和专业精神,因为精益的理念侧重于废物清除和持续改进,这在很大程度上取决于人力资源的质量(Brito等人,2020)。因此,供应链管理中有限的人力资源能力将导致运营效率低下,而运营效率又会被浪费。此外,系统互操作性是最大限度减少浪费的关键,因此需要干预。社会影响卫生部下属的政府和其他关键部门部委,如地方和地区政府,应更好地了解废物驱动因素的作用,并采取全系统改革,以支持改善医疗供应链中的废物消除工作。例如,目前的体制框架造成了行政障碍,从而导致浪费。应该取消这种官僚程序,以最大限度地减少链条上的浪费。独创性/价值本研究是第一批确定精益在资源受限背景下的适用性和实施情况的研究之一。本文确定了精益实施的背景因素。本文侧重于从整体角度看待整个供应链,以增强健康商品供应链的良好运作。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
6.40
自引率
20.00%
发文量
20
期刊介绍: The Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management (JHLSCM) is targeted at academics and practitioners in humanitarian public and private sector organizations working on all aspects of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management. The journal promotes the exchange of knowledge, experience and new ideas between researchers and practitioners and encourages a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional approach to the resolution of problems and exploitations of opportunities within humanitarian supply chains. Contributions are encouraged from diverse disciplines (logistics, operations management, process engineering, health care, geography, management science, information technology, ethics, corporate social responsibility, disaster management, development aid, public policy) but need to have a logistics and/or supply chain focus. JHLSCM publishes state of the art research, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, in the field of humanitarian and development aid logistics and supply chain management.
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