{"title":"The role of supply chain risk mitigation strategies to manage supply chain disruptions","authors":"Jacobus D. Nel","doi":"10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.1035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.1035","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Supply chain disruptions have always existed, but have become more intense during the last decade or so. Factors in the macro environment have also contributed and none more so than during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In general, firms were not ready for disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, numerous firms were resilient and recovered quicker to their pre-COVID positions than other firms.Objectives: This research addressed how firms with effective supply chain risk mitigation strategies managed supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and which lessons were learned to prepare for future disruptions.Method: An online survey instrument with scalable responses was used to conduct quantitative research. A total of 221 workable questionnaires were used to analyse the data using SPSS software. Several hypotheses were formulated and were tested using t-tests.Results: The findings show clear differences in how firms used agility and flexibility, collaboration and redundancy as supply chain risk mitigation strategies to manage upstream, internal and downstream disruptions.Conclusion: The level of effective supply chain risk management strategies implemented by firms seems to significantly contribute to the effective management of upstream, internal and downstream disruptions. It appears as if agile and flexible firms that collaborate more with their supply chain partners and who implement redundancy strategies, are better prepared to respond to disruptions.Contribution: Managers can improve the effectiveness of their supply chain risk management strategies by seeking more agile and flexible solutions, collaborating more with supply chain partners and utilising redundancy strategies.","PeriodicalId":43985,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141801528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Travel mode choices of residents in developing cities: A case study of Lusaka, Zambia","authors":"Moses Mwale, N. Pisa, Rose Luke","doi":"10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.1005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.1005","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":43985,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141673834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laila Mohamed Alshawadfy Aladwey, Raghad A. Alsudays
{"title":"Accounting information sharing within buyer-supplier collaborations: Insights from a developing country","authors":"Laila Mohamed Alshawadfy Aladwey, Raghad A. Alsudays","doi":"10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.1018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.1018","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The significance of the context, or the environment, is pivotal in influencing the practices of management accounting.Objectives: This article aims to explore the significance, methods and challenges of accounting information exchange in buyer–supplier collaborations.Method: In buyer–supplier collaborations, data are gathered from 13 semi-structured interviews and 250 questionnaires. The analysis is conducted using SPSS version 25, employing non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test and content analysis techniques.Results: Respondents recognise its benefits but prefer informal communication. Challenges such as diverse systems and mistrust hinder formal sharing. Despite obstacles, informal channels remain effective, although concerns about data leakage persist, leading to a conservative approach.Conclusion: In the Egyptian textile supply chain, members prioritise individual goals over collective ones. Informal methods, such as backdoor access, facilitate accounting information sharing among buyer–supplier partnerships. Formal sharing protocols are lacking, with limited one-way technical data exchange. Trust issues and data security concerns persist. Despite the absence of formal disclosure, cost estimations remain feasible. The company adopts a conservative approach, limiting access to records in most cases.Contribution: In essence, the article not only sheds light on the complexities and nuances surrounding accounting information sharing in the textile supply chain but also emphasises the resilience of informal communication channels in overcoming challenges. As the industry navigates these dynamics, recognising the importance of relational ties and informal exchanges could be pivotal in fostering a more efficient and collaborative supply chain ecosystem.","PeriodicalId":43985,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141384695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Digital transformation at third-party logistics providers: Challenges and best practices","authors":"M. Mvubu, Micheline J. Naude","doi":"10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.1023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.1023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Digital transformation (DT) is key for service providers in the logistics industry to achieve or retain a sustainable competitive advantage. However, for many third-party logistics (3PLs) in South Africa, implementing DT remains a challenge.Objectives: To explore the challenges that hinder the implementation of DT and to present the best practices that are important for achieving success in DT among South African logistics service providers.Method: This study was exploratory and descriptive. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a sample of 10 managers employed by South African 3PLs companies. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, which involved manually coding the findings, the organisation of these ‘codes’ into related areas to construct ‘descriptive’ themes and the development of ‘analytical’ themes.Results: The challenges and best practices of DT implementation centre around leadership and strategic alignment, technological integration and innovation, data management and cybersecurity, and resource optimisation and cost management.Conclusion: Substantial challenges and best practices associated with DT implementation in the logistics sector were identified.Contribution: The significance of the study lies in examining DT through the lens of 3PLs providers in South Africa, a segment not conventionally associated with innovation. The outcomes contribute to academic research and industry practice. Firstly, the findings bridge a critical gap in the existing literature, providing insight into previously unexplored DT challenges and best practices. Secondly, this study provides valuable insights into key areas, offering practical guidance for industry practitioners.","PeriodicalId":43985,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141100904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lubinda M. Sakanga, Erastus Mwanaumo, Wellington D. Thwala
{"title":"Regulating the SADC Regional Railway Corridors for Investments","authors":"Lubinda M. Sakanga, Erastus Mwanaumo, Wellington D. Thwala","doi":"10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.934","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.934","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":43985,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140476729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rethinking competency requirements in South African supply chain management","authors":"Arthur Mapanga","doi":"10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.990","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.990","url":null,"abstract":"Background: In the realm of talent acquisition and supply chain management (SCM), the establishment of a standardised competency framework is pivotal. However, a lack of consensus in the supply chain management literature persists regarding the prioritisation of competencies for SCM professional recruitment in South Africa. This necessitates a re-evaluation of SCM competencies to align with the dynamic business environment.Objectives: To understand the competencies necessary for supply chain professionals in South Africa’s SCM job market to inform curriculum development for the training of supply chain profession at higher education institutions.Method: A qualitative, grounded theory approach was followed. Content analysis was conducted on 29 SCM job advertisements posted on various employment agents’ websites. Atlas was then used to create codes and code groups and themes describing the SCM job market needs and expectations.Results: While technical competencies maintain their significance, strategic thinking and cognitive capabilities are increasing in their importance compared with interpersonal skills in the SCM job market.Conclusion: The required competencies for SCM roles are evolving, with an increasing emphasis on strategic and cognitive skills rather than just technical abilities. Interpersonal competencies, although still important, are becoming less crucial. Training institutions should adjust their curricula to ensure well-rounded SCM professionals.Contribution: The literature reflecting the fast evolving nature of SCM competencies is sparse. This study challenges the prevailing narrative that emphasizes technical and interpersonal competencies thereby opening new pathways for curriculum development and professional training of SCM professionals.","PeriodicalId":43985,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140486846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analysis of factors and solutions to poor supply chain quality in a manufacturing organisation","authors":"Refentse L. Selepe, O. Makinde","doi":"10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.989","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.989","url":null,"abstract":"Background: With about 55% of operating costs in manufacturing organisations coming from costs of supply chains, coupled with a 6% increase in supply chain costs incurred by a manufacturing organisation during the financial year 2021–2022, supply chain managers need to ascertain factors contributing to high supply operating cost and ascertain suitable strategies to lower supply chain management cost.Objectives: The purpose of this study is to unveil the factors and the solutions to poor supply chain quality in a steel product manufacturing organisation.Method: A qualitative approach conducted via an interview guide was used in this study. Perceptions of key supply chain stakeholders within a steel product manufacturing organisation formed the basis of the exploring factors contributing to poor supply chain quality and the solutions thereof. The Pareto chart was created to ascertain the critical factors that contribute to poor supply chain quality.Results: The study revealed that inventory stock-out, management decisions, process deviations, longer lead times, suppliers and unreliable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system issues contributed to poor supply chain quality.Conclusion: Supply chain managers should make use of strategies such as safety and consignment stock policy, just-in-time (JIT) system, supplier evaluation exercise for supplier selection, localisation of the sourcing of raw materials, customised ERP systems, job rotation and dashboards, with a view to improve visibility and efficiency of supply chain processes.Contribution: The study serves as a knowledge advisor to supply chain managers, on the critical factors contributing to poor supply chain quality, and the solutions thereof.","PeriodicalId":43985,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139594798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Child slavery in supply chains: Actors of the dirty scene","authors":"Maryam Lotfi, Noleen Pisa","doi":"10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.942","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.942","url":null,"abstract":"The existence of child slavery in supply chains is increasingly complicated because it not only applies to supply chain actors and corporations at different tiers but also to the effects of external organisations and society. This inevitable complexity is due to the global nature of today’s supply chains. Many corporate sustainability reports or corporate responsibility reports on child labour, reveal only a unilateral explanation and view, which renders the development of child labour measures under the leadership of many companies tardy and inefficient. The problem addressed in this research is the lack of comprehensive investigation into child slavery in supply chains. The primary research question is focused on identifying the key actors involved in combatting child slavery in the supply chain. The research uses thematic analysis of 68 peer-reviewed journal articles containing the keywords: child labour; supply chain, and child slavery; interchangeably in Google Scholar Search. We determined the comprehensive selection of literature by three factors: high frequency of relevant keywords; recent publication period; and more citations. The results identify four main actors influencing child slavery namely i.) Corporations - through their industrial characteristics, strategy, corporate social responsibility and internal stakeholders; ii.) Governments - through their regulations and policies and their intentions to combat child slavery; iii.) Societies through their establishment of social benchmarks and social accountability to address the social crisis; and iv.) External organisations such as ILO, NGOs and trade unions for their dominant involvement in the child slavery phenomena in supply chains. The findings provide a nascent conceptual model for empirical work and a foundation for descriptive and normative research on child slavery in supply chains.","PeriodicalId":43985,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139440582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Havenga, Z. Simpson, Henk Neethling, Anneke De Bod, S. Swarts
{"title":"The macrologistics effect of a state-owned enterprise, Transnet, on the South African economy","authors":"J. Havenga, Z. Simpson, Henk Neethling, Anneke De Bod, S. Swarts","doi":"10.4102/jtscm.v17i0.952","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v17i0.952","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Transnet moves around 80% of South Africa’s rail-friendly freight tonne-kilometres, which drops to less than 40% if the rail-only coal and iron ore export lines are excluded.Objectives: Calculating the costs, negative externalities, and job losses caused by Transnet’s recent and historical operational issues and using the results to inform future reform possibilities.Method: Aspects contributing to Transnet’s failures are indicated through an assessment of rail freight’s decreasing market share and infrastructure investment, port ownership and inefficiency concerns, Transnet’s deteriorating financial performance, loss of critical skills, and instances of state capture. Resultant costs and their impact on employment are calculated across various freight flow segments, whereafter reform models are suggested through international benchmarking and extracting lessons from relevant global reforms.Results: The cost of Transnet’s failures are estimated as 7.43% of gross domestic product. A healthy relationship between the government and the private sector is a frequent occurrence in successful reforms seen globally. Locally, recent government reforms acknowledge a meaningful role for the private sector, which is in turn offering pragmatic and achievable solutions.Conclusion: Improved private sector participation can contribute to Transnet’s recovery. South Africa depends on this collaboration and the development of port and rail master plans to guide the infrastructure development required to meet its overall transportation needs.Contribution: Actionable implications for policy implementation, the economic regulation and horizontal separation of the freight railway, shifting freight from road to rail, the corporatisation of the port authority, and increasing port efficiency and capacity.","PeriodicalId":43985,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138604654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Factors influencing decision-making in buying process of express logistics services","authors":"Vikash Khatri, Ajay Pandey, Anita Kumar","doi":"10.4102/jtscm.v17i0.949","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v17i0.949","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Logistics is an integral component for success of an organisation. So correct decision on express logistics procurement plays a critical role in success in delivering right product at right place and right time. Procurement of express logistics service is not very straight forward, instead it requires evaluation of multiple factors.Objective: The objective of this research is to create a framework of influencing factor on express logistics buying decision.Method: For the study, researchers has adopted secondary research along with primary research with group of 14 subject matter experts in field of Indian logistics sector. A group of experts comprises of senior managers, consultants and academicians with deep understanding of subject. We have used ISM (Interpretive Structural Modelling) and Cross Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) to drive conceptual framework for logistics buying decision.Results: Framework shows that the decision making in logistics procurement should be highly driven by factors like network reach of Logistics Service Provider (LSP), technology followed by information sharing and strategic partnership. While service quality and cost of logistics remains as frontend factors in logistics procurement decision.Conclusion: The model output clearly suggests that final objective in buying process of express logistics is driven towards lower cost and improved service level, but it is driven by factors which directly adds value in supply chain like time to market and reverse logistics, technology and reach.Contribution: The model provides a framework for practitioners, which can enable them in decision making process of logistics procurement.","PeriodicalId":43985,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138606817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}