In this paper, we present a new decision-making tool aimed at improving the efficiency of the operational planning of pick-up processes in logistic distribution centers. It is based on a memetic algorithm (MA) solving both the Order Batching Problem (OBP) and the Order Picking Problem (OPP). The result yields a sequence of simultaneous pick up operations of lots for different clients in a storing facility, satisfying a previously defined distribution plan. The objective is the minimization of the operational cost of the entire process, which is directly proportional to the time spent on different activities involved. The failure to satisfy the conditions, either leads to overstocking, delays in delivery or creates inefficiency costs. The analysis of the results obtained with our algorithmic tool indicates that it has a good performance in comparison with other known algorithms used to solve this kind of problem.

The Textile and Apparel industry of Malaysia used to contribute about 1.2% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the past. However, this position has followed a reverse trend in recent years. The imports were increased as compared to the exports which decreased the overall contribution of Textile and Apparel industry between 2015 and 2016. To address this issue, this study examined the effective supply chain activities through radio frequency identification (RFID) using survey method to collect the necessary data. Questionnaires were distributed among the employees of Textile and Apparel companies. While analyzing the data by using PLS-SEM, it was found that RFID was contributing majorly in supply chain operations and maintained significant and positive effect on the performance of supply chain. Moreover, staff services quality had moderating role between RFID and the operations of Textile and Apparel industry. The study is one of the first attempts to examine the effect of RFID on supply chain operations of Textile and Apparel companies. Thus, the current study is helpful for practitioners to resolve the issues of concerned industry.

One of the most important questions in outsourcing management is to decide on the allocation of the activities, processes or services either from the inside or from the outside of the organizations through outsourcing operations. It is necessary to determine the factors influencing outsourcing decision making as well as their impacts on decisions. In this paper, the existing approaches and models and their related criteria are studied and the necessary criteria are explored based on different conditions in marine manufacturing industries. These criteria are categorized in four dimensions; namely Capacity, Technology, Strategy and financial, and Risk called CTSR. After determining the weights of the criteria based on paired-wise comparisons, the related calculations are carried out using PROMETHEE method. Finally, a Black, White, Gray (BWG) analysis is executed to determine whether a candidate should be outsourced or not.

This paper investigates the impact of employee commitment as well as the recruitment process on the performance of internal supply chain. Additionally, the current study is intended to investigate the mediating role of the recruitment process on the relationship between employee commitment and firm supply chain performance. The main objective behind any recruitment process is to recruit committed employees to help a firm enhance the performance of the organizations. Therefore, the current study is carried out to fill a gap by exploring the relationship between recruitment processes, employee commitment, and firm supply chain performance. To achieve the research objective, the study has analyzed the data gathered from 284 mangers of manufacturing organizations of United Arab Emirates. 284 questionnaires out of 550 are found useful, so the response rate is 52 percent. The structural equation modelling using AMOS is used to analyze the data. The results of the study show an agreement with the results of the hypotheses. The direct relationship between commitment types and firms’ internal supply chain performance, and between recruitment process and firms’ internal supply chain performance are found positive and significant. The results of the study will be helpful for HR practitioners, operation managers, researchers, and policy makers in understanding the impact of employee commitments and recruitment process on internal supply chains’ performance of manufacturing firms.

Machine failures during production period may impose thousands to millions of dollars to a manufacturing system. In this paper, the impact of machine failures on production lines in a closed-loop supply chain systems is examined. For this purpose, a new method is proposed for scheduling manufacturing workshops in a supply chain systems. The aim is to determine the best production plans in a manufacturing system by considering alternative preventive maintenance programs while machine failures can affect system performance. To solve the model, a hybrid Ant Colony and Simulated Annealing algorithms is developed and the results are compared with branch and bound method. Our findings show that the condition of emerging machine failure affects machines’ capacity which yields to lost sale. The impacts of using appropriate preventive maintenance on reducing lost sale is also examined. The results indicate that the proposed method can significantly reduce the level of sale variation in supply chain systems.

The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the relationship between total quality management practices (TQMP), supply chain management practices (SCMP), information technology capabilities, supply chain technology adoption and firm supply performance. In addition, the study also tries to investigate the mediating role of information technology capabilities and supply chain technology adoption in the relationship between TQMP, SCMP, and firm supply performance. The study is carried out on a sample of textile firms of Pakistan. To achieve the research objective, Smart PLS-3 is used for the analysis of the data gathered from the textile firms of Pakistan. The results of the study show a great deal of agreement with the hypothesized results. The information technology capabilities, supply chain technology adoption both appear to play mediators between TQMP, SCMP, and firm supply performance. The results of the study will be useful for policymakers and researchers to understand the emerging role of technology in strategic management and operational management.

This paper investigates the role played by service quality at supplier-manufacturer dyad in small-medium manufacturing units, and presents a model to establish that contribution of both the supplier and manufacturer towards service quality could lead to satisfaction followed by loyalty. The research design for this study includes a combination of literature survey, exploratory interviews with practitioners, and a questionnaire survey conducted through interview schedule from 120 respondents working in different small-medium manufacturing units of North India. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used for data analysis. The paper develops dual directional scales to evaluate service quality at supplier-manufacturer dyad and tests a set of four propositions. A model showing linkages of manufacturer (manufacturing unit’s) service quality with supplier service quality leading to satisfaction and loyalty is also developed. The model is empirically tested and is found to be fit. This study would be of interest to SME managers particularly engaged in ‘purchase’ function and researchers working on inter-firm supply chains in such units. This study recommends forming strong collaborative relationships with suppliers to achieve a win-win situation.

Supply chain performance has been a key element of competitive strategy to boost organizational productivity and profitability. In the United Kingdom (UK), a survey disclosed that approximately 40% of the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP) was consumed on supply chain related activities. Because of the extensive use of gross domestic product (GDP) on supply chain, it is important to work on UK based supply chain companies and to reveal various factors to enhance supply chain performance. Therefore, the primary objective of the current study is to investigate the combine effect of audit determinants and leadership styles to enhance supply chain performance in UK based companies. Data were collected from audit department employees and other managerial employees who are closely related to supply chain activities. After analyzing the data through Smart PLS 3, it was found that audit and leadership styles played important contribution in supply chain performance. Moreover, top management and employee commitment to change maintained significant influence to enhance positive effect on audit and leadership. This study is much significant for UK supply chain companies to enhance supply chain performance.

During the past few years, there have been tremendous attempts among various companies to implement the principles of supply chain management to increase their capabilities. Reduction in supply chain cost is an important element to support competitive advantage. However, to manage the cost of supply chain, managing target and order costs is essential. Reduction in both target cost and order cost is crucial to maintain reasonable supply chain cost, which directly influences the competitive advantage. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to support competitive advantage by the help of integration between target cost and order cost. To achieve this, quantitative research technique was adopted based on a survey technique and 300 questionnaires were distributed among the managerial employees of supply chain companies in Iraq. While analyzing the data through Smart PLS 3, it was revealed that any reduction in target cost and order cost could decrease the overall supply chain cost and this helps to sustain competitive advantage. Therefore, supply chain cost plays the mediating role to enhance competitive advantage through integration of the target cost and the order cost. Finally, this study is beneficial for supply chain companies to enhance competitive advantage through reduction in supply chain cost.

The primary objective of the present paper is to explore the link between supply logistic integration, competitive performance, lean process and supply performance. To achieve our research objectives, we develop a unique model, which conceptualizes the said relationship. Porter’s value chain and the resource based views are used as theatrical lenses of the current study using Amos software package based on a data set of 220 Iraqi manufacturing firms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is employed to analyze the dataset. The findings of the study show that the there was a positive relationship between supply logistics and competitive performance (operational) and supply performance and lean processes were partially mediating this relationship. The study also shows the importance of managing both internal (production processes) and external processes (logistics and supply chain) of firms’ operations in an integrated manner in which supply chain management acts through key internal processes to impact competitive performance. This is the first study, which uncovers what happens “in between” the incoming materials and the end outputs delivered by firms into the market. This “in between black box” is important in improving our understanding of how inbound supply activities are translated into outbound competitive performance outcomes.