IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jlogis/v8y2024i1p5-d1312675.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Supply Chain Complexity and Its Impact on Knowledge Transfer: Incorporating Sustainable Supply Chain Practices in Food Supply Chain Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Hareer Fatima Ahmed

    (Department of Business Systems and Operations, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK)

  • Amin Hosseinian-Far

    (Department of Business Systems and Operations, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK)

  • Dilshad Sarwar

    (Department of Business Systems and Operations, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK)

  • Rasoul Khandan

    (Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge, Madingley, Cambridge CB23 8AQ, UK)

Abstract

Background : The dynamics of supply chain networks have changed due to increasing complexities. Global expansions and knowledge transfer in supply chain networks bring efficiency and effectiveness to companies. However, the probability of supply chain complexity has also been seen increasing. The barriers to sustainable supply chain networks need to be tackled in an effective manner as they impact business operations. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate and reduce the supply chain complexities, as it will facilitate the process of knowledge transfer and increase the implementation of sustainable practises in supply chain networks. In the previous research, four supply chain complexity drivers were identified. Previous research identified four supply chain complexity drivers by conducting a systematic review. This study investigates which of the four complexity drivers impacts knowledge transfer in the context of the food supply chain sector. Methods : In this research, knowledge transfer is therefore examined from the perspective of sustainable food supply chains. Thirty exploratory qualitative interviews were conducted in this study and analysed using Nvivo (v12) software. This study utilised thematic analysis techniques for the evaluation of the interviews to gather results. Results : The results illustrated six main factors classified under broad categories: integration of Knowledge Transfer, incorporation of technological advancements in supply chain networks, supply chain complexity solutions, supply chain complexity drivers, sustainable supply chain networks, and capability to reduce supply chain complexity. The findings of this study highlight that process complexity significantly influences the process of knowledge transfer in food supply chain networks. The research findings contribute to both academic and practical domains. This study contributes to the aggregation of supply chain complexity and its impact on Knowledge Transfer. Additionally, the findings support supply chain networks, which strive to achieve efficient Knowledge Transfer to attain sustainable value in business operations. Conclusion : This study has proven that robust knowledge transfer reduces supply chain complexity as it makes supply chain systems more resilient and well-coordinated in many potential ways.

Suggested Citation

  • Hareer Fatima Ahmed & Amin Hosseinian-Far & Dilshad Sarwar & Rasoul Khandan, 2024. "Supply Chain Complexity and Its Impact on Knowledge Transfer: Incorporating Sustainable Supply Chain Practices in Food Supply Chain Networks," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-24, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:8:y:2024:i:1:p:5-:d:1312675
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/8/1/5/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/8/1/5/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hobday, Mike, 1998. "Product complexity, innovation and industrial organisation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(6), pages 689-710, February.
    2. Yongyi Shou & Mingu Kang & Young Won Park, 2022. "Supply Chain Integration for Sustainable Advantages," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-981-16-9332-8, January.
    3. Philip Anderson, 1999. "Perspective: Complexity Theory and Organization Science," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 10(3), pages 216-232, June.
    4. Wu, Y. & Frizelle, G. & Efstathiou, J., 2007. "A study on the cost of operational complexity in customer-supplier systems," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 106(1), pages 217-229, March.
    5. Yongyi Shou & Mingu Kang & Young Won Park, 2022. "Supply Chain Integration and Sustainability: The Supply Chain Learning Perspective," Springer Books, in: Supply Chain Integration for Sustainable Advantages, chapter 0, pages 129-147, Springer.
    6. Arshinder & Kanda, Arun & Deshmukh, S.G., 2008. "Supply chain coordination: Perspectives, empirical studies and research directions," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 115(2), pages 316-335, October.
    7. Kevin P. Scheibe & Jennifer Blackhurst, 2018. "Supply chain disruption propagation: a systemic risk and normal accident theory perspective," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 56(1-2), pages 43-59, January.
    8. Xiao, Tiaojun & Qi, Xiangtong, 2008. "Price competition, cost and demand disruptions and coordination of a supply chain with one manufacturer and two competing retailers," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 36(5), pages 741-753, October.
    9. Chand, Pushpendu & Thakkar, Jitesh J. & Ghosh, Kunal Kanti, 2020. "Analysis of supply chain sustainability with supply chain complexity, inter-relationship study using delphi and interpretive structural modeling for Indian mining and earthmoving machinery industry," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    10. Melek Akın Ateş & Robert Suurmond & Davide Luzzini & Daniel Krause, 2022. "Order from chaos: A meta‐analysis of supply chain complexity and firm performance," Journal of Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management, vol. 58(1), pages 3-30, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Rui Guo & Zhenyong Wu, 2023. "Social sustainable supply chain performance assessment using hybrid fuzzy-AHP–DEMATEL–VIKOR: a case study in manufacturing enterprises," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(11), pages 12273-12301, November.
    2. Meng, Lin & Lv, Wangyong & Yuan, George Xianzhi & Wang, Huiqi, 2023. "The dynamic risk profiles and management strategies in supply chain coopetition under altruistic preference," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    3. Seyyed-Mahdi Hosseini-Motlagh & Mona Jazinaninejad & Nazanin Nami, 2023. "Recall management in pharmaceutical industry through supply chain coordination," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 324(1), pages 1183-1221, May.
    4. Schmidt, Christoph G. & Wuttke, David A. & Heese, H. Sebastian & Wagner, Stephan M., 2023. "Antecedents of public reactions to supply chain glitches," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    5. Stephen Leider & William S. Lovejoy, 2016. "Bargaining in Supply Chains," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 62(10), pages 3039-3058, October.
    6. Ly, Kim Cuong & Liu, Hong & Opong, Kwaku, 2017. "Who acquires whom among stand-alone commercial banks and bank holding company affiliates?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 144-158.
    7. T. Gries & R. Grundmann & I. Palnau & M. Redlin, 2017. "Innovations, growth and participation in advanced economies - a review of major concepts and findings," International Economics and Economic Policy, Springer, vol. 14(2), pages 293-351, April.
    8. Geyer, Anton & Davies, Andrew, 2000. "Managing project-system interfaces: case studies of railway projects in restructured UK and German markets," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(7-8), pages 991-1013, August.
    9. Sher, Mikhail M. & Kim, Seung-Lae & Banerjee, Avijit & Paz, Michael T., 2018. "A supply chain coordination mechanism for common items subject to failure in the electronics, defense, and medical industries," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 164-173.
    10. Park, Kijung & Okudan Kremer, Gül E., 2015. "Assessment of static complexity in design and manufacturing of a product family and its impact on manufacturing performance," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 215-232.
    11. Jacob, Jojo & Belderbos, René & Lokshin, Boris, 2023. "Entangled modes: Boundaries to effective international knowledge sourcing through technology alliances and technology-based acquisitions," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 122(C).
    12. Laura M. Canevari‐Luzardo & Frans Berkhout & Mark Pelling, 2020. "A relational view of climate adaptation in the private sector: How do value chain interactions shape business perceptions of climate risk and adaptive behaviours?," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 432-444, February.
    13. Dmitry Ivanov, 2022. "Viable supply chain model: integrating agility, resilience and sustainability perspectives—lessons from and thinking beyond the COVID-19 pandemic," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 319(1), pages 1411-1431, December.
    14. Salar Hussain & Arjumand Bano Soomro & Arifa Bhutto & Sobia Shah & Shazia Shahab Shaikh, 2019. "Impacting Factors on the Employees’ Performance during Acquisitions: A Study on KASB Bank into Bank Islami Pakistan Ltd," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(4), pages 123-129, April.
    15. Emad Sane-Zerang & Jafar Razmi & Ata Allah Taleizadeh, 2020. "Coordination in a closed-loop supply chain under asymmetric and symmetric information with sales effort-dependent demand," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 90(2), pages 303-334, March.
    16. Ellinas, Christos & Allan, Neil & Johansson, Anders, 2016. "Project systemic risk: Application examples of a network model," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 182(C), pages 50-62.
    17. Aye, Goodness C. & Balcilar, Mehmet & Gupta, Rangan & Majumdar, Anandamayee, 2015. "Forecasting aggregate retail sales: The case of South Africa," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 66-79.
    18. Miroslava Bavorová & Norbert Hirschauer & Gaetano Martino, 2014. "Food safety and network governance structure of the agri-food system," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 37(1), pages 1-11, February.
    19. João Caraça & João Lobo Ferreira & Sandro Mendonça, 2007. "A chain-interactive innovation model for the learning economy: Prelude for a proposal," Working Papers Department of Economics 2007/12, ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management, Department of Economics, Universidade de Lisboa.
    20. Ramanathan, Usha & Muyldermans, Luc, 2010. "Identifying demand factors for promotional planning and forecasting: A case of a soft drink company in the UK," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 128(2), pages 538-545, December.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:8:y:2024:i:1:p:5-:d:1312675. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.