Papers by Dr Abhijeet Ghadge
Production Planning & Control, 2026
Supply chains (SCs) are increasingly challenged to deliver greater value with fewer resources whi... more Supply chains (SCs) are increasingly challenged to deliver greater value with fewer resources while minimising environmental impact. Postponement strategies have emerged as a potential solution to strike this balance, yet their impact on environmental sustainability beyond economic considerations remains under-examined. Recognising this gap, this study reports on a systematic literature review that employs a design-oriented approach combined with the Contexts, Interventions, Mechanisms, and Outcomes (CIMO) logic to deepen the understanding of the effects of postponement strategies on environmental and economic sustainability. The study elaborates on the extant literature to offer a nuanced conceptualisation of postponement and capture its recent evolution, extending its scope beyond deferring value-adding activities that increase uncertainty to also include the activities' geographical location and acknowledge the involvement of different SC partners. This further enabled the precise characterisation of contemporary postponement applications, leading to the development of propositions that suggest under which conditions postponement strategies may enhance or harm both the environmental and economic performances of SCs. Finally, building on the identified findings and propositions, a future research agenda is provided to encourage further advancements in postponement and contribute to more sustainable SCs.
International Journal of Production Research, 2026
Digital Twin (DT) technology provides a promising solution to challenges within the food supply c... more Digital Twin (DT) technology provides a promising solution to challenges within the food supply chain (FSC) due to its unique characteristics. While existing literature highlights the potential of DTs to enhance real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and operational efficiency, a quantitative assessment of the overall impact of DT implementation on FSC performance is missing. This study bridges this research gap by integrating experimental and analytical approaches. Empirical data were collected through questionnaires from food industry practitioners, combined with literature to develop a mental model for capturing the interrelationships among DT-relevant technologies, FSC operations, and supply chain performance. Later, by deploying systems thinking and system dynamics (SD) modelling approaches, the impact of DT adoption on FSC operational metrics is evaluated. The findings indicate that the DT positively impacts inventory levels, actual delay (lead time), and unfulfilled orders in the short term, while contributing to cost reduction and food waste in the long term. The SD models not only highlight the impact of integrative technology adoption on the operations of FSCs but also provide a comprehensive framework for modelling and assessing SC systems under the influence of technology. This study contributes by providing quantitative evidence of DT’s impact on the FSC.
Keywords: Digital Twin, supply chain performance, food supply chains, system dynamics
Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 2026
Purpose-Implementing IoT is fundamental to the digitalisation of modern supply chains. This paper... more Purpose-Implementing IoT is fundamental to the digitalisation of modern supply chains. This paper aims to provide a theory-based explanation for the impact of IoT implementation on information integration, decision-making uncertainty, and hence supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach-This study adopts a qualitative multiple-case study approach to investigating three fast-fashion supply chains in China through 30 semistructured interviews.
Findings-Our findings demonstrate that IoT is implemented in the information collection, selection, and sharing processes of information integration. Implementing firm-level information collection and selection processes impacts information quality and is linked to environmental uncertainty. Whereas implementation in the supply chain level information sharing process impacts information accuracy and efficiency and is linked to industry uncertainty.
Theoretical implications-This research advances the theoretical understanding of IoT's role in supply chain management through a two perspective Information Processing Theory based framework, capturing the mechanisms which underpin the interactions between IoTenabled information integration and decision-making uncertainty and resultant impact on performance.
Practical implications-This research provides a road map for supply chain managers demonstrating how IoT implementation in information integration processes within the firm can improve operational performance. However, when this implementation progresses to supply chain level information-sharing processes, management costs improvements are ultimately realised. Originality/value-This study contributes an empirical, evidence-based explanation of the impact of IoT implementation on supply chain performance. Case study evidence from firms in the early and middle stages of IoT implementation reveal that the mechanisms governing the interactions between information integration, decision-making uncertainty, and their impact on performance are fundamentally different for firm and supply chain IoT implementation processes. It is only in implementing the information sharing process at the supply chain level that cost benefits are achieved.
International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications, 2025
This paper explores the interplay between the Internet of Things (IoT)-based information integrat... more This paper explores the interplay between the Internet of Things (IoT)-based information integration and decision-making uncertainty and their combined impact on supply chain performance. Survey data on 275 supply chain managers is analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling to illustrate these relationships. IoT-based information integration and decision-making uncertainty is found to be a complex interaction between information accuracy, quality and efficiency; environmental complexity and richness; and demand distortion. The interactions between these factors partially mediate supply chain performance on cost management and production operations. This study provides empirical evidence for the information processing theory-based conceptualisation of the interaction between IoT-based information integration and decision-making uncertainty, and their interactions have a partial mediating role in improving supply chain performance. The research findings help supply chain managers develop a performance-oriented supply chain evaluation system to forecast the outcomes of implementing IoT-based information integration.
Computers & Industrial Engineering, 2025
An efficient freight distribution network is critical for enhancing competitiveness by lowering t... more An efficient freight distribution network is critical for enhancing competitiveness by lowering transportation costs and increasing profitability. This study adopts a case-based modelling approach to tackle a real-world Multi-Depot Vehicle Routing Problem (MDVRP) faced by a UK-based retailer aiming to expand its operations in northern UK. Due to high fixed costs and a limited branch network, the retailer seeks to improve operational efficiency by reducing transportation costs without establishing additional facilities. A novel mixed-integer programming model is developed to optimise the existing distribution network by incorporating realistic operational constraints. The model addresses key complexities such as driver costs, inter-depot routing, transportation hubs, multiple depots, dynamic demand, a heterogeneous fleet, cross-docking, multiple product types, vehicle capacity and travel time restrictions. Using an exact solution method, the model yields optimal results demonstrating significant reductions in transportation costs while maintaining service constraints. The findings provide valuable research insights and practical recommendations for optimising freight distribution networks under realistic and resource-constrained conditions.
International Journal of Production Economics, 2025
Supply chain finance (SCF) is a set of instruments for optimizing working capital and improving s... more Supply chain finance (SCF) is a set of instruments for optimizing working capital and improving supply chain efficiency. The evolving field of sustainable supply chain finance (SSCF) extends SCF with a growing focus on sustainability. While existing research has primarily focused on the economic benefits of SCF, its potential to generate broader sustainability benefits across environmental, social, and governance dimensions has received limited attention. Moreover, discussions on SSCF solutions and stakeholder interactions remain insufficient, necessitating further exploration to consolidate current research. This study seeks to explore the role of sus-
tainability in SCF and proposes an SSCF ecosystem. A systematic literature review (SLR) of SCF and sustainability resulted in the analysis of 70 interdisciplinary journal papers published between 2008 and 2023. The SSCF
ecosystem is defined as a collaborative network of stakeholders leveraging financial tools and sustainability metrics to create shared value and sustainability goals across the supply chain. By applying stakeholder theory
and CIMO logic, the study develops a conceptual framework to explain how SSCF mechanisms and interventions produce desirable outcomes for stakeholders. Key influencing factors were identified across four sustainability dimensions—economic, environmental, social, and governance—along with core stakeholders, including buyers, financial institutions, and suppliers, supported by technology/logistics providers and ESG information providers. The study contributes by linking stakeholders to two distinct categories of SSCF solutions: buyer-centric accounts payable financing and supplier-centric accounts receivable financing. Lastly, it proposes future research directions by examining SSCF as an independent subject and capturing its links to traditional SCF.
International Journal of Production research , 2024
The food supply chain (FSC) constantly needs to address persistent challenges such as information... more The food supply chain (FSC) constantly needs to address persistent challenges such as information asymmetry, low transparency, food quality and authenticity, and unnecessary waste. Blockchain is perceived as a promising solution to overcome these FSC challenges. Existing literature captures a conceptual understanding of various aspects of Blockchain for FSC, such as how the technology can enhance transparency, efficiency, and food authenticity. However, a quantitative assessment of the overall impact of Blockchain adoption on the FSC operational performance is still missing. This study combines empirical and analytical approaches to investigate the evident research gap. Under the lens of systems thinking and System Dynamics (SD) modelling perspective, the study collected questionnaire and interview data to develop different FSC models for evaluating the impact of Blockchain on key operational performance metrics. The findings indicated that Blockchain positively affects inventory level and lead time in the immediate term, and cost in the long term. The results also warn that forgoing inventory buffers can come with the cost-of-service level. This study provides quantitative evidence of the positive influence of Blockchain on the FSC. This research contributes by extending the understanding of Blockchain's implications on broader supply chain performance from a systems perspective.
International Journal of Production Research, 2024
Digital Twins (DTs) hold significant promise in addressing the challenges faced by food supply ch... more Digital Twins (DTs) hold significant promise in addressing the challenges faced by food supply chains (FSCs). This paper aims to provide critical insights into the potential for Digital Twins to meet the key challenges of the FSC and establish a comprehensive conceptual framework for their implementation. Following a systematic literature review (SLR), the study identified 81 peer-reviewed, high-quality papers published over the last decade (2012-2023). The typology-driven thematic analysis emphasises the emergent nature of DTs within FSCs, highlighting their key characteristics including monitoring, real-time simulation, and scenario analysis. The identified characteristics, applications, implementation drivers and barriers of Digital Twin form the basis for a novel conceptual framework for implementing DTs in FSCs. Leveraging insights from Innovation Adoption Theory and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the study outlines a structured five step implementation process divided into three stages. Notably, technology assessment and performance evaluation emerge as two innovative steps necessary for the successful implementation of DTs specifically, not previously considered by the theory. The study identifies promising avenues for future research, including the need for investigations into technology integration, development of DT performance evaluation metrics, and exploration of inter-level supply chain applications. These findings provide invaluable guidance to researchers and practitioners seeking to embrace the potential of Digital Twin within the food industry.
Keywords: Digital Twin; Food Supply Chains; Innovation Adoption Theory; Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE); Industry 4.0; Implementation framework
Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 2024
Purpose: Digital transformation utilising Industry 4.0 technologies can address various challenge... more Purpose: Digital transformation utilising Industry 4.0 technologies can address various challenges in food supply chains (FSCs). However, the integration of emerging technologies to achieve digital transformation in FSCs is unclear. This study aims to establish how the digital transformation of FSCs can be achieved by adopting key technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing (CC), and Big Data Analytics (BDA).
Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review (SLR) resulted in 57 articles from 2008 to 2022. Following descriptive and thematic analysis, a conceptual framework based on the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and the Context-Intervention-Mechanism-Outcome (CIMO) logic is established, along with avenues for future research.
Findings: The combination of DOI theory and CIMO logic provides the theoretical foundation for linking the general innovation process to the digital transformation process. A novel conceptual framework for achieving digital transformation in FSCs is developed from the initiation to implementation phases. Objectives and principles for digitally transforming food supply chains are identified for the initiation phase. A four-layer technology implementation architecture is developed for the implementation phase, facilitating multiple applications for FSC digital transformation.
Originality/value: The study contributes to the development of theory on digital transformation in FSCs and offers managerial guidelines for accelerating the growth of the food industry using key Industry 4.0 emerging technologies. The proposed framework brings clarity into the 'neglected' intermediate stage of data management between data collection and analysis. The study highlights the need for a balanced integration of IoT, CC, and BDA as key Industry 4.0 technologies to achieve digital transformation successfully.
Computers and Industrial Engineering
A ride-sharing platform with a price-setting power mechanism exists in practice. However, it is u... more A ride-sharing platform with a price-setting power mechanism exists in practice. However, it is unclear how supply chain transactions (ride price) and yields are affected due to a commission fee on ride-sharing platforms. To better understand, this study explores the impact of the service provider's price-setting (Model S) and service enabler's price-setting (Model E) power mechanism on supply chain profit under the influence of price competition in a sharing economy. We consider duopoly supply chains, wherein in one supply chain, a service provider delivers service through a service enabler, and in another, service providers offer direct customer service. Mathematical models are developed to analyze the difference in price-setting power mechanism effect, considering marketing efforts under different competitive scenarios. Results show that the supply chain profit is highest when the service provider sets the transaction price in Model S. Furthermore, when the commission fee exceeds a certain threshold (0.5), the total profit in Model E increases, but in Model S it decreases. In ride-sharing platforms, the service provider loses with a rise in commission fees, while the service enabler profits from it. The study contributes to the growing interest in the intricacies of sharing economy businesses.
International Journal of Logistics Management, 2023
Purpose-Each stage in disaster management faces different challenges concerning information gathe... more Purpose-Each stage in disaster management faces different challenges concerning information gathering, sharing, interpretation and dissemination. However, a comprehensive understanding of different Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems utilised for humanitarian disaster management is limited. Therefore, the paper follows a systems thinking approach to examine ten major man-made and/or natural disasters to comprehend the influence of ICT systems on humanitarian relief operations.
Design/methodology/approach-A longitudinal, multi-case study captures the use of ICT tools, stakeholders involvement, disaster stages and zones of operations for relief operations over the past two decades. A systems thinking approach is utilised to draw several inferences and develop frameworks.
Findings-Multiple ICT tools such as geographic information systems, online webpages/search engines, social media, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/robots, and artificial intelligence are used for rapid disaster response and mitigation. Speed and coordination of relief operations have significantly increased in recent years due to the increased use of ICT systems.
Research limitations-Secondary data on the past ten disasters is utilised to draw inferences. The developed ICT-driven model must be validated during upcoming humanitarian relief operations.
Practical implications-A holistic understanding of a complex interrelationship between influential variables (stakeholders, disaster stages, zones of operation, ICT systems) is beneficial for effectively managing humanitarian disasters.
Originality/value-Broadly classifying the ICT systems into surveillance, decision support and broadcasting systems, a novel ICT-enabled model for humanitarian relief operations is developed.
International Journal of Production research, 2023
Research on Blockchain implementation in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chains (PSC) is lacking despit... more Research on Blockchain implementation in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chains (PSC) is lacking despite its strong potential to overcome conventional supply chain challenges. Thus, this study aims to provide critical insight into the nexus between Blockchain and PSC and further build a conceptual framework for implementation within the pharmaceutical industry. Following a systematic literature review and text mining approach, 65 interdisciplinary articles published between 2010 and 2021 were studied to capture the decade long developments. Descriptive and thematic analysis showcases nascent developments of Blockchain in PSC. The drivers and barriers to adoption, implementation stages, and applications identified through the thematic analysis guide in setting the agenda for future research, primarily focussing on the use of Blockchain for drug counterfeiting, recall issues, along with other sector-specific challenges such as patient privacy, regulations and clinical trials. Research on Blockchain for PSC has been slow compared to other sectors but has accelerated since the Covid-19 pandemic. Identified influential factors, implementation process and apparent applications are expected to influence researchers and practitioners in developing a roadmap for adopting Blockchain in the pharmaceutical industry. The proposed conceptual framework is novel and provides valuable directions to producers, regulators and governments to implement Blockchain in the pharmaceutical industry.
International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 2022
Blockchain technology has been identified as a possible solution to address critical challenges f... more Blockchain technology has been identified as a possible solution to address critical challenges faced by the food sector. Building on the potential of Blockchain within Food Supply Chains (FSC), this study aims to develop an evidence-based implementation model for Blockchain in the food industry. Innovation Adoption and other prominent theories are integrated to first develop a conceptual framework, which is later validated following an analysis of the qualitative data. Fifteen semistructured expert interviews are used to develop an evidence-driven, applied model for implementing Blockchain; providing detailed insights into typical stages, associated activities, and contextual determinants needed for successful integration. An empirically validated implementation model advances the extant academic literature and further provides a detailed roadmap for food practitioners, while initiating Blockchain projects with their firms and/or supply chains.
Computers and Industrial Engineering, 2022
Closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs) are essential for maximising the value creation over the entire... more Closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs) are essential for maximising the value creation over the entire life cycle of a product. The design of these networks is increasing due to growing online businesses and rising sustainability awareness. This study develops a multi-objective optimisation model for sustainable CLSC network problem considering supply chain's inherent complexity (multi-echelon, multi-product, multi-mode and multi-period nature) along with price-sensitive demand, consumer's incentives and different quality levels of product. The proposed model seeks to optimise total cost and carbon emissions generated by production, distribution, transportation, and disposal activities. A two-stage algorithm, through the integration of the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and Co-Kriging approach is utilised to determine the trade-off between costs and carbon emissions in the CLSC network. Data collected from a leading European household appliance company was used to analyse and interpret the developed model. The results show that the proposed two-stage approach provides robust outcomes and is computationally less expensive than the epsilon constraint approach. The study evidences the positive effects of incentive pricing on returned goods in the reverse logistics network and provides multiple trade-off solutions for supply chain managers to make informed decisions.
Computers and Industrial Engineering, 2022
The paper evidence the link between two paradigms-Industry 4.0 and Green Supply Chain Management ... more The paper evidence the link between two paradigms-Industry 4.0 and Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) following an empirical study conducted in the automotive industry. 243 responses from the automotive supply chain professionals from Europe (including the UK) are used to test the developed hypotheses. An integrated, two-stage approach combining interpretive structural modelling and structural equation modelling develops a multi-level hierarchical structure for establishing the link between Industry 4.0 technologies, Green Supply Chain (GSC) practices and GSC performance. The study evidenced an indirect effect of Industry 4.0 technologies through GSC practices on GSC performance; and this link is found to be stronger than the direct effect of Industry 4.0 and GSC practices in the automotive supply chains. Future supply chains should focus on driving and linking technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and Blockchain for effective implementation of GSC practices. GSC practices, mainly reverse logistics and green purchasing, are highly influenced by disruptive technologies and are critical for leading improvement in GSC performance. Identifying and linking key Industry 4.0 technologies with GSC practices will benefit organizations in making evidence-informed decisions for improved sustainability performance.
International Journal of Production Research, 2021
Supply chains (SCs) are exposed to multiple risks and vulnerable to disruption propagation (i.e.,... more Supply chains (SCs) are exposed to multiple risks and vulnerable to disruption propagation (i.e., the ripple effect). Despite established literature, quantitative analysis of the ripple effect in SCs considering simultaneous, long-term disruptions (i.e., induced by the COVID-19 pandemic) remains limited. This study defines, applies and demonstrates the capability of system dynamics modelling to recognise and visualise the ripple effect subject to supply, demand, and logistics disruptions as well as a combined, simultaneous disruption of supply, demand and logistics. Simulation results for these four risk scenarios indicate that disruption propagation and its impacts vary based on risk type, combination of risks and the impacting node. The bi-directional, increasing effect is significant for disruptions of longer duration. Retailers and manufacturers are most fragile to multiple disruptions due to broader risk exposure points. In generalised terms, systems theory-based study provides insights into the complex behaviour of simultaneous risks and associated disruptions occurring at a node and across the SC. The outcomes derived can help practitioners visualise and recognise the dynamic nature of the ripple effect cascading across the SC network. In addition, some novel insights on the systemic nature and delayed impact of disruption propagations are uncovered and discussed.
Annals of Operations Research, 2021
The study investigates the relationship between the information and communication-enabled supply ... more The study investigates the relationship between the information and communication-enabled supply chain integration (SCI) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, there is no empirical evidence on the impact of blockchain technologies (BT) on the SSCP. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to assess the relationship between BT and SSCP. More specifically, the study was conducted to examine the direct influence of BT on SCI and SSCP and the interactive effect of BT and SCI on SSCP. Based on the dynamic capability theoretical lens, the present study conceptualizes the use of BT as a specific IT resource to collaborate and reconfigure the ties with the upstream and downstream supply chain members to achieve SSCP. The results of the study support the hypothesis stating that BT positively influences the SSCP. The results recognize the role of SCI as a significant mediating variable between the BT and SSCP. The result indicates the strong influence of SCI with full mediation effect on the relationship between the BT and SSCP.
Production Planning & Control, 2021
Blockchain technology has received significant attention from the food industry; however, due to ... more Blockchain technology has received significant attention from the food industry; however, due to the scarcity of successful Blockchain projects and sector-specific studies, a step-by-step approach for implementing Blockchain in food supply chains (FSCs) is still missing. A systematic literature review of 69 high-quality, peer-reviewed articles is utilized to capture Blockchain adoption drivers and barriers, applications, and implementation stages within FSCs. Current Blockchain issues such as scalability, regulations, privacy, and incentivization are identified as future research opportunities. Following innovation adoption theory, a three-stage conceptual framework for Blockchain implementation in FSCs is developed. The proposed framework is novel and is expected to benefit food chain managers in establishing the suitability of Blockchain for their organization and/or wider supply network. Identified influential factors, case examples, and implementation stages are expected to guide practitioners in developing a roadmap for adopting Blockchain in the food industry.
International Journal of Logistics Management, 2021
Purpose: Human resource management is struggling to cope with the increasingly volatile demand fo... more Purpose: Human resource management is struggling to cope with the increasingly volatile demand for skilled resources in the logistics and supply chain sector. Thus, this study discovers the possible integration of human resource management (HRM) and supply chain management (SCM) practices for improved supply chain performance. The purpose of the study is to explore the effect of intra HRM-SCM and joint HRM-SCM decisions on the performance of the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach: An intra HRM-SCM and joint HRM-SCM management model is developed following an empirical study. Survey data collected from 109 supply chain managers from Indian logistics firms are used to test the developed hypotheses. Structural equation modelling is used to analyse and validate the model. Findings: The results suggest that supply chain performance is significantly influenced by joint HRM-SCM, compared to intra HRM-SCM practices, especially under volatile demand environments. Training and development, recruitment and selection, and performance management affect joint HRM-SCM significantly compared to the other three factors identified. Moreover, HRM and SCM show strong correlation and mutual support in identifying and fulfilling the demand of the logistics and supply chain sector. Practical implications: With a growing trend towards globalization and digitalization, a joint HRM-SCM model will help businesses make robust and informed decisions for improved supply chain performance. Originality/value: An empirical relationship between joint HRM-SCM, intra HRM-SCM, supply chain inhibitors, and supply chain performance is established in this study. Although some part of this relationship may already exist, the study provides robust evidence to support this complex, collaborative relationship.
Supply Chain Forum: An International Journal, 2021
The study investigates deceptive counterfeits in global supply chains. It explores perceived sour... more The study investigates deceptive counterfeits in global supply chains. It explores perceived sources of counterfeits, their impact and identifies risk mitigation strategies in Business-to-Business procurement. An online survey is used to collect data from 140 procurement professionals targeted at a national purchasing body and affiliated UK purchasing groups. The study findings show that counterfeit breaches are increasing, especially in low-cost spare parts, sourced from tier-two suppliers based in developing countries. Counterfeits lead to high costs SCs in delays, lost sales, product recalls and even legal action. Network transparency, cost of quality and pre-supply evaluation approaches and supplier relationship management are the most effective mitigation strategies to overcome deceptive counterfeits. The study contributes to supply chain academics and practitioners' growing research interest in counterfeit risk.
Uploads
Papers by Dr Abhijeet Ghadge
Keywords: Digital Twin, supply chain performance, food supply chains, system dynamics
Findings-Our findings demonstrate that IoT is implemented in the information collection, selection, and sharing processes of information integration. Implementing firm-level information collection and selection processes impacts information quality and is linked to environmental uncertainty. Whereas implementation in the supply chain level information sharing process impacts information accuracy and efficiency and is linked to industry uncertainty.
Theoretical implications-This research advances the theoretical understanding of IoT's role in supply chain management through a two perspective Information Processing Theory based framework, capturing the mechanisms which underpin the interactions between IoTenabled information integration and decision-making uncertainty and resultant impact on performance.
Practical implications-This research provides a road map for supply chain managers demonstrating how IoT implementation in information integration processes within the firm can improve operational performance. However, when this implementation progresses to supply chain level information-sharing processes, management costs improvements are ultimately realised. Originality/value-This study contributes an empirical, evidence-based explanation of the impact of IoT implementation on supply chain performance. Case study evidence from firms in the early and middle stages of IoT implementation reveal that the mechanisms governing the interactions between information integration, decision-making uncertainty, and their impact on performance are fundamentally different for firm and supply chain IoT implementation processes. It is only in implementing the information sharing process at the supply chain level that cost benefits are achieved.
tainability in SCF and proposes an SSCF ecosystem. A systematic literature review (SLR) of SCF and sustainability resulted in the analysis of 70 interdisciplinary journal papers published between 2008 and 2023. The SSCF
ecosystem is defined as a collaborative network of stakeholders leveraging financial tools and sustainability metrics to create shared value and sustainability goals across the supply chain. By applying stakeholder theory
and CIMO logic, the study develops a conceptual framework to explain how SSCF mechanisms and interventions produce desirable outcomes for stakeholders. Key influencing factors were identified across four sustainability dimensions—economic, environmental, social, and governance—along with core stakeholders, including buyers, financial institutions, and suppliers, supported by technology/logistics providers and ESG information providers. The study contributes by linking stakeholders to two distinct categories of SSCF solutions: buyer-centric accounts payable financing and supplier-centric accounts receivable financing. Lastly, it proposes future research directions by examining SSCF as an independent subject and capturing its links to traditional SCF.
Keywords: Digital Twin; Food Supply Chains; Innovation Adoption Theory; Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE); Industry 4.0; Implementation framework
Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review (SLR) resulted in 57 articles from 2008 to 2022. Following descriptive and thematic analysis, a conceptual framework based on the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and the Context-Intervention-Mechanism-Outcome (CIMO) logic is established, along with avenues for future research.
Findings: The combination of DOI theory and CIMO logic provides the theoretical foundation for linking the general innovation process to the digital transformation process. A novel conceptual framework for achieving digital transformation in FSCs is developed from the initiation to implementation phases. Objectives and principles for digitally transforming food supply chains are identified for the initiation phase. A four-layer technology implementation architecture is developed for the implementation phase, facilitating multiple applications for FSC digital transformation.
Originality/value: The study contributes to the development of theory on digital transformation in FSCs and offers managerial guidelines for accelerating the growth of the food industry using key Industry 4.0 emerging technologies. The proposed framework brings clarity into the 'neglected' intermediate stage of data management between data collection and analysis. The study highlights the need for a balanced integration of IoT, CC, and BDA as key Industry 4.0 technologies to achieve digital transformation successfully.
Design/methodology/approach-A longitudinal, multi-case study captures the use of ICT tools, stakeholders involvement, disaster stages and zones of operations for relief operations over the past two decades. A systems thinking approach is utilised to draw several inferences and develop frameworks.
Findings-Multiple ICT tools such as geographic information systems, online webpages/search engines, social media, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/robots, and artificial intelligence are used for rapid disaster response and mitigation. Speed and coordination of relief operations have significantly increased in recent years due to the increased use of ICT systems.
Research limitations-Secondary data on the past ten disasters is utilised to draw inferences. The developed ICT-driven model must be validated during upcoming humanitarian relief operations.
Practical implications-A holistic understanding of a complex interrelationship between influential variables (stakeholders, disaster stages, zones of operation, ICT systems) is beneficial for effectively managing humanitarian disasters.
Originality/value-Broadly classifying the ICT systems into surveillance, decision support and broadcasting systems, a novel ICT-enabled model for humanitarian relief operations is developed.