Digital Supply Chain and Sustainability
A project collection of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).
Papers displayed on this page all arise from the same project. Editorial decisions were made independently of project staff and handled by the Editor-in-Chief or qualified Editorial Board members.
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Editors
Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Vlachos
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. Dimitrios Bechtsis
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
Project Overview
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
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript.
The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs).
Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's
English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
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)
Open AccessArticle
Influence of Perceived Risk of Blockchain Art Trading on User Attitude and Behavioral Intention
by
Pi-Hsia Liang and Yan-Ping Chi
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2707
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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
A Decision Support Tool for Supplier Evaluation and Selection
by
Ana Paula Lopes and Nuria Rodriguez-Lopez
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4533
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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Theoretical Exploration of Supply Chain Viability Utilizing Blockchain Technology
by
Weili Yin and Wenxue Ran
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4954
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
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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.
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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
by
Mohammad Agung Saryatmo and Vatcharapol Sukhotu
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7754
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,
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Traceability of Ready-to-Wear Clothing through Blockchain Technology
by
Juan José Bullón Pérez, Araceli Queiruga-Dios, Víctor Gayoso Martínez and Ángel Martín del Rey
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 9394
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
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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.
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Open AccessReview
Assessing Sustainability in the Shipbuilding Supply Chain 4.0: A Systematic Review
by
Magdalena Ramirez-Peña, Francisco J. Abad Fraga, Jorge Salguero and Moises Batista
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5312
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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Blockchain Technology Application on Supply Chain Partnership and Performance
by
Joon-Seok Kim and Nina Shin
Cited by 119 | Viewed by 12554
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
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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.
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Open AccessReview
Blockchain Technology Implementation in Logistics
by
Edvard Tijan, Saša Aksentijević, Katarina Ivanić and Mladen Jardas
Cited by 264 | Viewed by 37069
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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Pricing of Digital Video Supply Chain: Free versus Paid Service on the Direct Distribution Channel
by
Yunhyoung Kim and Jeonghoon Mo
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3796
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
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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.
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