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Topical Collection "Digital Supply Chain and Sustainability"

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A topical collection in Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

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Editors

Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Vlachos
E-Mail Website
Collection Editor

Laboratory of Statistics and Quantitative Analysis Methods, Division of Industrial Management, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 461, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: supply chain management; logistics; sustainable supply chains; applied operational research; management, business restructuring and strategy development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Naoum Tsolakis

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor

Assistant Professor, Department of Supply Chain Management, School of Economics and Business Administration, International Hellenic University (IHU), 60100 Katerini, Greece
Interests: sustainable water use; supply network design; digitalization; agrifood systems; system dynamics; operations research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Dimitrios Bechtsis

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor

Department of the Industrial Engineering and Management, International Hellenic University (IHU), 57001 Nea Moudania, Greece
Interests: supply chain management; logistics; applied operational research; sustainable supply chains; information technology; autonomous vehicles; multi-agent system

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Digitalization of manufacturing network operations could be used to tackle traditional challenges in the supply chain management field like market demand volatility, health and safety issues, and sustainability concerns. To that end, operations research scholars and practitioners alike investigate the impact of Information Technology (IT) based applications on the management and operations of international supply networks. In particular, under the IT umbrella the following indicative fields are explored:

The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm that enables interconnection, intercommunication and interaction among supply chain actors that allow for the dynamic management of global network operations, hence promoting digital transformations in a cradle-to-grave perspective.
Multi-Agent systems that enable the creation of decentralized value networks, in correspondence with the supply chain entities, and provide a framework for information sharing.
Autonomous entities and robotic systems (e.g. autonomous vehicles) that facilitate flexible manufacturing systems and enable the dynamic reconfiguration of a supply network.
The blockchain technology that enables resource sharing, smart contracts and smart property in private or public decentralized value networks.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore state-of-the-art Operational Research and Management Science developments, embracing digital and IT-based applications, to tackle established and emerging challenges in the Supply Chain Management field, and further promote the deployment of sustainable value networks. In this context, systematic reviews, case studies, mathematical and simulation modelling approaches that emphasize the management, assessment and optimization of Digital Supply Networks are invited for submission.

Prof. Dimitrios Vlachos
Dr. Naoum Tsolakis
Dr. Dimitrios Bechtsis
Collection Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

Digital supply chains
Digital and smart manufacturing
Smart logistics
Blockchain
Industry 4.0
Big Data and business analytics
Intelligent autonomous vehicles
Innovation in supply chains
Sustainable supply chains

Published Papers (9 papers)

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2021

Jump to: 2020, 2019, 2018

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Perceived Risk of Blockchain Art Trading on User Attitude and Behavioral Intention

Pi-Hsia Liang

and

Yan-Ping Chi

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13470; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313470 - 06 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2072

Abstract

In the first half of 2020, the average sales volume of gallery operators declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic and art galleries faced a crisis relating to their sustainable operation. However, crypto art finance, which combines online sales with blockchain, is attracting a considerable amount of attention. Can the use of blockchain solve the problems encountered in today’s art trading market? Is it considered acceptable by participants in the art trading market? What factors affect the behavioral intentions of blockchain technology users? In this study, we discussed the relationship between perceived risks and the three external variables of trust, government support, and auction house initiative, as well as their impacts on user attitudes and behavioral intentions regarding blockchain. The results of this study verified key factors that will help to increase the use of blockchain and solve existing market issues. It will also promote the sustainable operation and development of art enterprises and the market. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

A Decision Support Tool for Supplier Evaluation and Selection

Ana Paula Lopes

and

Nuria Rodriguez-Lopez

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212387 - 10 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2961

Abstract

The supplier selection process is considered one of the most relevant decisions in supply chain management due to its effect on the product quality and on buyer performance. Supplier selection is often unstructured, and is generally based on the lowest-price proposal. However, this type of selection involves a high risk, sometimes resulting in project delays, poor quality of acquired goods, and large financial losses. Price is undoubtedly an important criterion when choosing a supplier; however, other equally important criteria must be considered. Therefore, supplier selection should be formulated as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. This study uses the PROMETHEE-GAIA (Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment of Evaluations—Geometrical Analysis for Interactive Assistance) method to classify and select suppliers in an agrifood company. One of the advantages of this method is that it allows decision-makers to set their preferences considering all the relevant criteria simultaneously, and their relative importance. The case study demonstrates that PROMETHEE constitutes a flexible MCDM tool for supplier evaluation and selection, rank the different alternatives, and provide valuable insights. The results show that the supplier selection process has a strong point related to the existence of two groups of suppliers, one focused on economic criteria and other related to the innovative capacity. However, a flaw emerges, as little relevance is associated to the environmental criterion. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Exploration of Supply Chain Viability Utilizing Blockchain Technology

Weili Yin

and

Wenxue Ran

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8231; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158231 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3546

Abstract

As a disruptive and innovative technology, blockchain will significantly revolutionize how organizations produce and operate as global rivalry intensifies. The global COVID-19 outbreak, combined with the growing complexity of supply chain networks, has exposed supply chains’ vulnerability to disruption. Therefore, improving the supply chain viability is the primary way to deal with the risk of supply chain disruption. Using the method of literature research, this conceptual paper systematically reviewed and sorted out relevant literature, extracted corresponding capabilities, and put forward relevant research propositions. From the perspective of the resource-based view and resource-dependent theory, this study investigates specific dimensions of the blockchain-enabled supply chain capability: connectivity, network capability, and supply chain reconfiguration and the impact of external resource-dependent capability on the viability of the supply chain. The propositions show that the blockchain-enabled supply chain capability, and external resource-dependent capability will positively impact supply chain viability. It is expected to assist supply chain firms in implementing blockchain technology to increase supply chain viability and improve their capacity to achieve sustainable supply chain development during the crisis. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Digital Supply Chain on Operational Performance: A Study of the Food and Beverage Industry in Indonesia

Mohammad Agung Saryatmo

and

Vatcharapol Sukhotu

Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5109; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095109 - 02 May 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5877

Abstract

In this rapidly developing digital era, digital transformations take place within every industry, and they have effects on the management of the supply chains. The aim of this study is to delve into the influence of the digital supply chain on the quality, productivity, and cost reduction aspects of operational performance. This study relies on quantitative methodology and data collected from the food and beverage industry of Indonesia. Data from a survey comprising a total of 209 responses were selected for investigation. PLS-SEM was used to perform the analysis. The investigation reveals that the digital supply chain has significant effects on operational performance in terms of quality, productivity, and cost reduction performance. This study contributes to the understanding of supply chain management by addressing the knowledge gap associated with the digital supply chain. In particular, it has concentrated on the hitherto unresearched effect of operational performance in the context of the Indonesian manufacturing industry. Full article

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2020

Jump to: 2021, 2019, 2018

Open AccessArticle

Traceability of Ready-to-Wear Clothing through Blockchain Technology

Juan José Bullón Pérez

Araceli Queiruga-Dios

Víctor Gayoso Martínez

and

Ángel Martín del Rey

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7491; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187491 - 11 Sep 2020

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 7750

Abstract

Traceability and monitoring of industrial processes are becoming more important to assure the value of final products. Blockchain technology emerged as part of a movement linked to criptocurrencies and the Internet of Things, providing nice-to-have features such as traceability, authenticity and security to sectors willing to use this technology. In the retail industry, blockchain offers users the possibility to monitor details about time and place of elaboration, the origin of raw materials, the quality of materials involved in the manufacturing processes, information on the people or companies that work on it, etc. It allows to control and monitor textile articles, from their production or importing initial steps, up to their acquisition by the end consumer, using the blockchain as a means of tracking and identification during the whole process. This technology can also be used by the apparel industry in general and, more specifically, for ready-to-wear clothing, for tracing suppliers and customers along the entire logistics chain. The goal of this paper is to introduce the more recent traceability schemes for the apparel industry together with the proposal of a framework for ready-to-wear clothing which allows to ensure the transparency in the supply chain, clothing authenticity, reliability and integrity, and validity of the retail final products, and of the elements that compose the whole supply chain. In order to illustrate the proposal, a case study on a women’s shirt from an apparel and fashion company, where a private and open blockchain is used for tracing the product, is included. Blockchain actors are proposed for each product stage. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Assessing Sustainability in the Shipbuilding Supply Chain 4.0: A Systematic Review

Magdalena Ramirez-Peña

Francisco J. Abad Fraga

Jorge Salguero

and

Moises Batista

Sustainability 2020, 12(16), 6373; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166373 - 07 Aug 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4128

Abstract

The supply chain is currently taking on a very important role in organizations seeking to improve the competitiveness and profitability of the company. Its transversal character mainly places it in an unbeatable position to achieve this role. This article, through a study of each of the key enabling technologies of Industry 4.0, aims to obtain a general overview of the current state of the art in shipbuilding adapted to these technologies. To do so, a systematic review of what the scientific community says is carried out, dividing each of the technologies into different categories. In addition, the global vision of countries interested in each of the enabling technologies is also studied. Both studies present a general vision to the companies of the concerns of the scientific community, thus encouraging research on the subject that is focused on the sustainability of the shipbuilding supply chain. Full article

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2019

Jump to: 2021, 2020, 2018

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Blockchain Technology Application on Supply Chain Partnership and Performance

Joon-Seok Kim

and

Nina Shin

Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 6181; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216181 - 05 Nov 2019

Cited by 105 | Viewed by 10713

Abstract

Blockchain technology is now considered a next generation information technology tool for sustainable growth in supply chain (SC) management. However, its study is relatively rare in the literature on SC collaboration and sustainability management research, despite its advantages in sustaining connectivity and reliability among SC partners. This study investigates how the use of blockchain in SC activities can influence (increase or decrease) SC partnership efficiency and growth, thereby affecting SC performance outcomes. Specifically, this study empirically validates a measurement and structural equation model with 306 SC experts from various industries. The findings show that the blockchain technology characteristics (information transparency, information immutability, and smart contracts) have significant positive effects on partnership growth and marginal effects on partnership efficiency. Though partnership growth has a positive effect on firm performance, partnership efficiency shows a negative effect. Full article

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Open AccessReview

Blockchain Technology Implementation in Logistics

and

Sustainability 2019, 11(4), 1185; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11041185 - 23 Feb 2019

Cited by 221 | Viewed by 32375

Abstract

This paper researches decentralized data storage represented by blockchain technology and the possibility of its development in sustainable logistics and supply chain management. Although the benefits of blockchain technology have been most widely researched in the financial sector, major challenges in logistics, such as order delay, damage to goods, errors, and multiple data entry can also be minimized by introducing blockchain technology. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the current and rising trends of blockchain technology usage in logistics and supply chain management. Full article

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2018

Jump to: 2021, 2020, 2019

Open AccessArticle

Pricing of Digital Video Supply Chain: Free versus Paid Service on the Direct Distribution Channel

Yunhyoung Kim

and

Jeonghoon Mo

Sustainability 2019, 11(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11010046 - 21 Dec 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3381

Abstract

Media publishers that have commonly relied on profits from advertisements and content sales to fund their operations are not only content providers (manufacturers) to media aggregator platforms (retailers) but are also competing service providers (rival retailers) in the digital video supply chain. Different from a traditional media supply chain, they can easily operate their own direct distribution channels in the Internet era. In the digital video supply chain, it is not clear whether commercialization of the direct distribution channel would be beneficial for the media publisher because it would decrease profits from advertisements. The choice about commercialization should be investigated thoroughly because it is closely related to the media publishers’ sustainability as a public medium in a digital environment. In this study, we analyze the impacts of commercializing the direct distribution channel based on a game-theoretic approach. Specifically, we compare the profits of a media publisher with and without the commercialization of the channel from analyses of sequentially defined games. Our results show that media publishers prefer to use a free service on their direct channel if the content they provide is not highly valued. They can also choose not to provide their content to the media aggregator with a paid service. Full article

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Topical Collection "Digital Supply Chain and Sustainability"

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Editors

Topical Collection Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

2021

Jump to: 2020, 2019, 2018

2020

Jump to: 2021, 2019, 2018

2019

Jump to: 2021, 2020, 2018

2018

Jump to: 2021, 2020, 2019

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