ABSTRACT
EU officials acknowledge that the trial landscape in response to the pandemic has been fragmented, with a multitude of small, national trials, struggling to generate robust and actionable clinical data, with great duplication of efforts and direct competition for shared resources and participant populations. The European drug industry worked on complex clinical trials in 2020 with researchers in the European Organization for Research into Treatments for Cancer and specialists in the Association of Clinical Research Organizations, as well as with the European Union's Clinical Trial Expert Group, composed of national health ministry officials. [...]the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) is developing guidelines on Adaptive Clinical Trials with a timeline of 2023, and on Good Clinical Practice Renovation to address the increasing diversity of clinical trial designs and data sources.
ABSTRACT
PurposeA digital supply chain (DSC) positively enhances circular economy (CE) practices. However, what factors and conditions lead to the implementation of DSC for transitioning toward CE is not yet clear. Therefore, this study aims at identifying and subsequently analyzing the antecedents of DSC for CE.Design/methodology/approachThe study identifies major antecedents of DSC for CE to achieve sustainability objectives through literature review and expert opinions. In this study, 19 potential antecedents of DSCs for CE are established from the literature and suggestions from industry professionals. A trapezoidal fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach is applied quantitatively to investigate the antecedents identified.FindingsConducted in the context of Indian automobile manufacturing industry, the findings of the study reflect that advanced information sharing arrangement, effective government policies for DSC and CE implementation and digitalizing the supply chains are the top three potential antecedents of DSC for a CE.Originality/valueIn the existing literature, few studies are specific to investigating the DSC and CE paradigm. The present study will help organizations develop a practical and integrated strategic approach that will foster DSC through improved knowledge of CE.
ABSTRACT
PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and worldwide influence on healthcare delivery, and it has significantly increased the pace at which digital technology is being used. Blockchain, one of these developing digital technologies, is distinguished by a number of properties. This study focuses on a blockchain-enabled healthcare supply chain. The purpose of this work is to investigate how blockchain technology (BCT) benefits the performance of healthcare supply chain management (HSCM).Design/methodology/approachThe present study is based on the empirical research. Blockchain Technology (BCT), Healthcare Sustainable Supply Chain Practices (HSSCP), Healthcare Supply Chain Performance (HSCP) and Stakeholders' Involvement (SI) practices are identified from the literature review and hypotheses are framed to check their interrelationship. For testing of hypothesis, a questionnaire was developed. Data collection was done by healthcare professionals via Google docs. The IBM SPSS version 22.0 was used to analyze the data and IBM SPSS AMOS 22.0 software was used for the development of structural modal. The data was collected through the Google form from the stakeholders of healthcare sector and analyzed through Structural Equation Modelling.FindingsThis research is focused on adoption of BCT enabled Healthcare Sustainable Supply Chain to improve HSCP. From the result, it had been found that BCT is positively effecting the stakeholder's involvement (SI) and HSSCP practices. Cumulatively, they positively impact the performance of HSCP. From this study, it is found that adoption of BCT enabled Healthcare Sustainable Supply Chain succours to combat COVID-19 situation.Originality/valueThis study attempts to show the potential benefits of the adoption of BCT enabled HSSCP to improve HSCP.
ABSTRACT
PurposeThis study aims to provide a rich learning opportunity from COVID-19 crisis for making resilient supply chain by adopting new strategies for the procurement system.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic literature review has been conducted from the year 2012 to 2022 with the objective of developing procurement system for resilient supply chain. Fifty-four research papers are selected for this study.FindingsThe study exhibits that procurement function makes a significant contribution in creating supply chain resilience in the time of COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 emergency has enforced companies to operate in new ways to face supply chain disruptions. The new strategies and actions appropriate for resilient procurement system have been identified.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to the papers that were indexed in the Scopus database. It has also been limited to the procurement function and supply chain resilience.Practical implicationsThis research highlights strategies for supply chain resilience to improve the business performance in COVID-19 or similar types of crisis.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is to identify the strategies and new practices followed in procurement function to improve the supply chain resilience. This study suggests directions for future research on the integration of procurement and manufacturing for making resilience in the supply chain.
ABSTRACT
In striving to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments across the globe acted quickly to implement various "stay-at- home" orders and bans on all "non-essential activities." While these actions were likely effective in slowing the spread of the virus, the economic impacts were felt almost immediately. The US deficit rose to $3.1 trillion following massive spending to aid individuals and small businesses. Internationally, governments have been increasing their debt loads to combat both the health and financial impacts of the pandemic. Indeed, by the end of 2020, the international debt load increased to a record-breaking $281 trillion. Almost as quickly, various proposals have been offered regarding how to mitigate this pandemic-fueled deficit. One solution offered is the return of a historical tax scheme-an excess profits tax. Excess profits taxes have historically been applied both domestically and internationally during times of war. Although there are variations in how an excess profits tax is calculated, traditionally, an excess profits tax is applied to those companies who earn returns in excess of a set "normal" rate of return.
ABSTRACT
PurposeLeveraging theory from the dynamic capability literature, this study aims to explore how information technology (IT) capability influences firm agility and subsequently translates into firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines the proposed relationships by using survey data from a sample of 296 Chinese retail firms. Structural equation modeling is used to test this study's hypotheses.FindingsThe following results are produced: the direct effect of IT capability on firm agility is confirmed;firm agility has a direct impact on firm performance;and the indirect effect of IT capability on firm performance via firm agility is demonstrated (i.e. partial mediation).Originality/valueThe catastrophic outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the importance of firm agility more than ever. Although the traumatic event is painful, however, there is nothing like a crisis to offer a tremendous business opportunity. In response to the pandemic circumstance, firms are required to operate their business by reacting to unpredictable and dynamic market changes quickly and efficiently. This study sheds light on why firms should develop their IT capability and how it affects firm performance via firm agility during the COVID-19 outbreak.
ABSTRACT
Research Aims: This study discusses the practice of green supply chain management (GSCM) on environmental performance and operational costs in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia's food and beverage industry. Especially to examine the existence of ecocentricity and supply chain traceability that moderates GSCM practices with environmental performance and operational costs. Design/Methodology/Approach: The judgement sampling method was used in this study, and 85 respondents contributed. Research questionnaires were distributed online, and data were analysed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Research Findings: The results of this study indicate that GSCM practices have a significant relationship to environmental performance and operational costs of MSMEs in the food and beverage industry in Indonesia. Supply chain ecocentricity moderates the relationship between GSCM practices, environmental performance, and operating costs. However, supply chain traceability does not moderate the relationship between GSCM practices, environmental performance, and operational costs. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The concept and practice of GSCM is gaining popularity in developing countries, but is still limited to the scope of MSMEs. Thus, research on GSCM still has to be extended to MSMEs because most research is limited to large organisations. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian Context: This research covers the concept and practice of GSCM on MSMEs in Indonesia. For MSMEs in the food and beverage industry, this research is expected to be taken into consideration in implementing GSCM for supply chain ecocentricity to improve business performance. Research Limitation & Implications: Respondents are limited to the Java and Bali area and the food and/or beverage industry group.
ABSTRACT
Purpose>The purpose of this study is to segment mobile wallet users using a finite mixture partial least squares (FIMIX-PLS) approach and evaluate the unobserved heterogeneity across segments.Design/methodology/approach>Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using a convenience sample of 744 responses was used to analyze the measurement, structural model and hypotheses testing. To examine unobserved heterogeneity and identify user segments, FIMIX-PLS technique was employed. To generate more precise recommendations, importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) was performed with attitude as the target variable.Findings>A structural equation model revealed that except perceived ease of use (PEOU) all other dimensions, namely perceived usefulness (PU), lifestyle compatibility (LC), facilitating conditions (FC), trust and security significantly influences attitude which, in turn, determines intention. The FIMIX-PLS technique resulted in four segments – The Rationalist, Early Adopters, Late Adopters and The Innovators.Practical implications>The paper provides segment specific and between segment differences to derive implications. Identification of relevant predictors and segments will help academicians, marketing researchers and practitioners in gaining further understanding of the mobile wallet adoption. The findings of the paper can guide mobile wallet providers to frame appropriate strategies and offerings pertaining to the obtained segments.Originality/value>The paper builds upon Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to propose an integrated model to explain adoption behaviors associated with mobile wallet. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is one of the first empirical attempts using FIMIX-PLS technique to assess precursors of adoption and substantiates the perceived value-attitude-intention linkage to identify heterogeneity among mobile wallet users.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has created business difficulties for RTD tea, the second-most popular soft drink after bottled water. This study examines the impact of Managerial Capability and strategic innovation on Product Lifecycle Management and distribution success at the RTD tea company, as mediated by social media. This research adopts a quantitative methodology. The research sample was gathered utilizing a methodical procedure. Participants in the poll were 160 operational and marketing managers from ready-to-drink beverage firms in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Bekasi, and Tangerang. This work uses structural equation modeling as its analytic approach. The findings revealed that Managerial Capabilities had no significant effect on Distribution Performance, that Managerial Capabilities had no significant impact on Product Lifecycle Management, that Product Lifecycle Management had a significant effect on Distribution Performance, and that social media mediates PLM Distribution Performance. Distribution Performance is significantly affected by the Strategic Innovation variable, while Product Life Cycle Management is affected dramatically by the Strategic Innovation variable. The proposed model suggested RTD tea company as a solution to the problems caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic. The research findings aid RTD tea company management in determining Managerial Capability and strategic innovation in Product Lifecycle Management and distribution performance via social media. © 2022 AgBioForum
ABSTRACT
In order to cope with the changing era of the innovative management paradigm of the manufacturing industry, it is necessary to advance the construction of smart factories in the domestic manufacturing industry, and in particular, the 3D design and manufacturing content sector is highly growthable. In particular, the core technologies that enable digital transformation VR (Virtual Reality)/AR (Augmented Reality) technologies have developed rapidly in recent years, but have not yet achieved any particular results in industrial engineering. In the manufacturing industry, digital threads and collaboration systems are needed to reduce design costs that change over and over again due to the inability to respond to various problems and demands that should be considered when designing products. To this end, we propose a VR/AR collaboration model that increases efficiency of manufacturing environments such as inspection and maintenance as well as design simultaneously with participants through 3D rendering virtualization of facilities or robot 3D designs in VR/AR. We implemented converting programs and middleware CPS (Cyber Physical System) servers that convert to BOM (Bill of Material)-based 3D graphics models and CPS models to test the accuracy of data and optimization of 3D modeling and study their performance through robotic arms in real factories.
ABSTRACT
This article provides a systematic literature review on the integrated approach of bio-based plastic food packaging in a circular economy. It focuses on the following key areas: (1) the role of bio-based plastic food packaging in a circular product design strategy and material choice in the preproduction life cycle stage;(2) the role of bio-based plastic food packaging in circular resource management systems and the product disposal life cycle stage;and (3) an optimal bio-based plastic food packaging application in regard to prioritising end-of-life treatment. While there are dedicated publications on the role of packaging in a circular economy, circular packaging design, packaging waste management, and bio-origin plastic applications in food packaging, this article aims to provide an integrated review and recommendations on the best bio-based plastic food packaging material selection, applications based on a circular economy, and scenarios on waste/resource management that prioritise end-of-life treatment. Three of the current most popular bio-based plastic materials in the flexible and rigid food packaging categories were selected: starch blends, bio-PE, and PLA for flexible food packaging and PLA, bio-PET, and bio-PE for rigid packaging. This article highlights the fact that a smart material choice in the circular design strategy is a key factor that has a direct impact on the last packaging life cycle stage (disposal), and concludes that bio-based plastic materials are a way to close the food packaging loop, either by re-use or recycling. This article also provides recommendations on the best bio-based plastic food packaging material selection, and applications based on the circular economy and waste management that prioritise end-of-life treatment. The research results indicate a research niche for the application of re-usable biodegradable materials in food packaging. The findings of this research allow product designers and packaging companies to advance the understanding of the most efficient bio-based plastic food packaging integration into the circular economy via decision making of product material choice and end-of-life treatment. Based on the results of this article, scholars can develop new themes for further research.
ABSTRACT
The increased level of complexity in the case of Closed Loop Supply Chains (CLSCs) turns them into vulnerable systems under a disaster event. The latter calls for a methodological approach that allows a dynamic study under alternative policies in mitigating the disaster effects with a focus on creating sustainable CLSCs. For this reason, we provide a System Dynamics (SD)-based analysis for disaster events on the operation of CLSCs. By “disaster event”, we mean three different categories taking shape on the basis of duration. Furthermore, three different demand patterns emerging due to the disaster event are examined. We assume that the disaster event affects the manufacturer, and we examine the system response under different mitigation policies. For each demand pattern two different mitigation policies at the manufacturer level are examined by considering the total CLSC profit and demand backlog as measures of policy performance. For each combination, extensive simulation experimentation reveals sustainable policy recommendations under alternative settings regarding the reduction in the manufacturer’s production.
ABSTRACT
The city digital twin is anticipated to accurately reflect and affect the city’s functions and processes to enhance its realization, operability, and management. Although research on the city digital twin is still in its infancy, the advancement of the digital twin technology is growing fast and providing viable contributions to augmenting smart city developments. This study reviews the literature to identify the current and prospective potentials and challenges of digital twin cities. A research agenda is also proposed to guide future research on the city digital twincity digital twin to reach the utmost level of a comprehensive and complete city digital twin. Enhancing the efficiency of data processing, promoting the inclusion of socio-economic components of the city, and developing mutual integration between the two counterparts of the digital twin are proposed to be the future research directions to achieve and utilize a completely mirrored city digital twin.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Hence, the research problem of the work is to identify the issues of the directions of changes and trends in the automotive industry in the long term by suppliers in the field of the development of new technologies. In turn, the aim of the work is to present the results of own research on the applied solutions in the field of new technologies development by a direct supplier of level 05 (System integrator MAHLE group - herd case) to companies producing vehicles in the automotive industry. Methodology: The research was carried out using the monographic method and the method of examining documents using the technique of examining documents, participant observation and expert interview. Findings: The directions of changes and trends in the automotive industry in the perspective of 2030 discussed in this paper are the beginning of changes in the technological quality of suppliers. Practical Implications: You can observe a growing trend related to the departure from the traditional reactive quality strategy to proactive, which uses new generation automation, communication and collaboration technologies based on the functions of various software and their modules, e.g., in the field of quality management software (EQMS). Originality/value: The current relationships between vehicle manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive industry have changed significantly, mainly due to new technologies related to the development of vehicles powered by alternative power sources.
ABSTRACT
In the context of the DigiLab4U international project, this paper describes a simulation-based serious game that can be used as a virtual teaching lab in higher education courses, especially in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Data Science, Management Science and Operations Research, as well as Computer Science. The learning activity focuses on understanding distribution logistics problems related to transportation optimization using different techniques. These optimization challenges include the vehicle routing problem, the arc routing problem, and the team orienteering problem. As a result of the learning process in the virtual lab, it is expected that students acquire competencies and skills related to logistics and transportation challenges as well as problem-solving. These competencies and skills can be precious for students’ future careers, since they increase students’ analytical skills, capacity to understand heuristic-based algorithms, teamwork and interdisciplinary communication skills, programming skills, and statistical abilities. A preliminary version of this training activity has already been used in MSc and PhD courses held at universities in Spain, Italy, Ireland, and Portugal.
ABSTRACT
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is a business strategy, aiming to streamline the flow of information about products and related processes throughout the whole product Lifecycle such that the right information in the right context at the right time can be made available. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic meant major improvements to the way service companies operate, changing the schedule and activities of their workers. The introduction of Industry 4.0 also launched emerging technology that could promote certain operations, thus alleviating the consequences of COVID-19. The aim of this research is to, first, investigate how this pandemic has impacted the product lifecycle, and secondly, explore how industry 4.0 technologies can address these challenges by proposing a Digital Smart Agile PLM framework. © 2022, IFIP International Federation for Information Processing.
ABSTRACT
The modern climate policy of different countries, decarbonization, the principles of ESG and sustainable development determine the main trends in the world economy, the result of which is a new vision of the energy-saving problem. The authors’ research is based on the key idea that in the modern world, systematic measures are needed to improve the energy efficiency of enterprises in the industrial sector of the economy. The article analyzes the systems used for assessing the energy efficiency of objects for various purposes, and on this basis, their advantages and limitations in application are revealed, which were taken by the authors as a basis for developing a new approach to assessing the energy efficiency of industrial facilities. The study gives preference to the point-rating assessment. The authors have developed a system of indicators structured by groups: building energy efficiency, technological process energy efficiency, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness management. The system of indicators of energy efficiency of an industrial facility proposed by the authors has been replaced as a basis for ranking industrial facilities by energy efficiency classes.
ABSTRACT
Over-consumption by consumers is a significant challenge to sustainability. Technology, such as that of virtual wardrobes, can suggest options that may reduce excessive consumption. A virtual wardrobe is a service that allows users to create and manage their wardrobes digitally. It also helps users to realize what they have in their wardrobes and can recommend appropriate styles of clothing for the users based on an analysis of the wardrobe. From the perspective of consumer characteristics, this research investigates what motivates consumers to adopt and use virtual wardrobes and proposes marketing strategies for addressing these behaviors. Fishbein’s attitude theory was used as a theoretical framework. By surveying 265 U.S. college students and using structural equation modeling analysis, the study shows that consumers’ socially responsible consumption behavior and personal innovativeness in information technology positively affect their attitude toward virtual wardrobes, which, in turn, increases their intention to use virtual wardrobes. However, their personal shopping value and fashion involvement have no significant impacts on consumers’ attitudes toward virtual wardrobes. The findings indicate that marketers of virtual wardrobes should highlight social responsibility and technological innovation in product and service promotions. By gaining insight into their wardrobes, consumers can be more strategic about clothing consumption, use, and disposal.
ABSTRACT
Changing business models is a topical issue in a pandemic. Recent research has shown that the search for environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions in various sectors has become relevant. The article aims to promote cooperation and adaptation of good practices between countries. Comparing the country’s history and economic situation and economic development and traditions can be seen as a precondition for success. The article examines the introduction of sharing economy and the creation of environment-friendly trends establishing a circular economy by minimizing the population’s expenses, online business growth, and accessibility of Internet technologies. The article explores the difference between the linear economic model and the circular model by adopting sharing and the efficient joint use of materials to enhance and assess sustainable development. Based on a combination of theoretical and practical research, the article explores the dynamic system and development model of sharing a circular economy. The new concept of circular economy does not promote the overproduction of new goods but the rational use of already produced ones, which significantly reduces the amount of waste generated at all stages of the product life cycle. Population groups by different income groups for sharing services are analysed. An analysis of the price characteristics of popular sharing products was used from data from Internet portals. One concludes that due to the increase in Internet users, especially mobile apps, and social networks, C2C sharing has become quite popular over the past years. Other areas also show positive development indicators but have less demand, affecting supply. Based on an in-depth study of the economic situation in Ukraine, the authors have critically chosen an industry to set as an example with the actual business situation. Therefore, three packages were created: pessimistic, standard and optimistic ones with different characteristics of implementing circular economic projects. The chosen method allows rational management decisions for attracting financing and sustainable solutions. The company’s business scenarios analysed in the article will allow to choose a system based on circular economy principles successfully.
ABSTRACT
The global pandemic of COVID-19 has caused severe damage to the supply chain such that manufacturers may face long-term supply disruptions. In this paper, a disruption recovery strategy of a supply chain system is investigated from the perspective of product change, in which the life cycle and design change time of a new product are both considered in order to minimize the losses of manufacturer after disruptions. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is presented to address the disruption recovery problem for this multi-period, multi-supplier, and multi-stage supply chain system. A two-stage heuristic algorithm is designed to solve the problem. Experimental results show that the proposed disruption mitigation strategy can effectively reduce the profit loss of manufacturer due to supply disruption, and demonstrate the impact of product life cycle in the selection of new product design planning. A sensitivity analysis is performed to ensure the applicability of the model in the actual environment, which illustrates the effect of different parameter changes on the results. This work can help manufacturers establish an optimal recovery strategy whenever the supply chain system experiences supply disruptions.