An exploratory study of Internet of Things (IoT) adoption intention in logistics and supply chain management

Exploring Internet of Things adoption challenges in manufacturing firms: A Delphi Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process approach

Innovation is key to gaining a sustainable edge in an increasingly competitive global manufacturing landscape. For Bangladesh's manufacturing sector to survive and thrive in today's cutthroat business environment, adopting transformative technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) is not a luxury but a necessity. This article tackles the formidable task of identifying and comprehensively evaluating the impediments to IoT adoption in the Bangladeshi manufacturing industry. We delve deeply into the complex terrain of IoT adoption challenges by synthesizing expert insights and a meticulously selected body of contemporary literature. We employ a robust methodology combining the Delphi method with the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process to systematically analyze and prioritize these challenges. Using this methodology, we leveraged the combined expertise of domain specialists and subsequently employed fuzzy logic techniques to address the inherent ambiguities and uncertainties within the data. Our findings highlight this clear path. They reveal that among the myriad barriers, "Lack of top management commitment to implementing new technology" (B10), "High initial implementation investment costs" (B9), and "Risks associated with switching to a new business model" (B7) loom most extensive, demanding immediate attention. These insights are not confined to academia but serve as a pragmatic guide for industrial managers. Armed with the knowledge gleaned from this study, managers can craft tailored strategies, set well-informed priorities, and embark on a transformational journey toward harnessing the vast potential of IoT in the Bangladeshi industrial sector. This article provides a comprehensive understanding of IoT adoption challenges and industry leaders with the tools necessary to navigate these challenges effectively. This strategic navigation, in turn, contributes significantly to enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Bangladeshi manufacturing in the IoT era.

Assessing the older population acceptance of healthcare wearable in a developing Country: an extended PMT model

Wearable healthcare devices (HWDs) got prominence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aiming to know the proliferation of the HWDS, this study tries to evaluate the intentions of the old-age population to use the devices. To this end, the protection motivation theory (PMT) coupled with health information accuracy, perceived novelty, perceived ease of use, hedonic motivation, health anxiety, and health consciousness were investigated as predictors of HWDs among senior Pakistani citizens. A total of 310 participants who knew how the smartwatches could be used as a health monitoring device, were surveyed to empirically test the model. The required data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that the protective, utilitarian, and personal attributes of HWDs play a significant role in choosing the HWDs. While addressing their healthcare issues, senior citizens are highly receptive to perceived usefulness, accurate information accuracy, self-efficacy, perceived severity, health consciousness, and perceived vulnerability during COVID-19. These factors have a positive impact on their willingness to use HWDs. The study educates healthcare management and users to focus on the determining factors that can enhance the use of HWDs.

Assessing educational methods for tomorrow's supply chain leaders with the integration of skill development priorities: a fuzzy decision-making approach

Purpose

Effective educational methods are critical for successfully training future supply chain talent. The paper proposes a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model to evaluate and select the best educational method for tomorrow's supply chain leaders integrating skill development priorities in an uncertain environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The Grounded theory scheme is used to identify SC leaders' skillsets criteria and educational method alternatives. Fuzzy step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis sets the priority and determines the weight of 17 criteria. Eight decision-makers evaluate 13 alternatives using fuzzy linguistic terms. Fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution ranks and shows the most effective educational method. Sensitivity analysis presents the applicability of this study.

Findings

Its implementation in a university-industry collaboration case in Brazil, Mentored learning from industry experts is the best educational method. The skill development priorities are data analytics ability, end-to-end supply chain vision and problem-solving. Technical skills are the most important criteria that influence the selection of the optimal option and educational methods related to learning from others rank in the top teaching pool, including multidisciplinary cross-cultural training.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to evaluate educational methods with skill development priorities integration for supply chain students using fuzzy SWARA–fuzzy TOPSIS. It provides actionable insights: a decision-making procedure for educational method selection, a broad skills profile for supply chain professional success and educational methods that professors can bring to in classroom/virtual environment.

Smart supply chain management in Industry 4.0: the review, research agenda and strategies in North America

The emerging information and communication technologies (ICT) related to Industry 4.0 play a critical role to enhance supply chain performance. Employing the smart technologies has led to so-called smart supply chains. Understanding how Industry 4.0 and related ICT affect smart supply chains and how smart supply chains evolve with the support of the advanced technologies are vital to practical and academic communities. Existing review works on smart supply chains with ICT mainly rely on the academic literature alone. This paper presents an integrated approach to explore the effects of Industry 4.0 and related ICT on smart supply chains, by combining introduction of the current national strategies in North America, the research status analysis on ICT assisted supply chains from the major North American national research councils, and a systematic literature review of the subject. Besides, we introduce a smart supply chain hierarchical framework with multi-level intelligence. Furthermore, the challenges faced by supply chains under Industry 4.0 and future research directions are discussed as well.

The effect of trust, IT knowledge, and entrepreneur's innovativeness to embrace or shun the internet of things

This study examines critical factors influencing Omani entrepreneurs' adoption of the internet of things (IoT) by expanding the constructs at the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) with entrepreneurs' innovativeness, IT knowledge (ITK), and trust. A cross-sectional survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 158 entrepreneurs in Oman. Data were analyzed through the structural equation modeling technique using SmartPLS. The results indicated that performance expectancy, habit, social influence, trust (TR), ITK, and entrepreneurs' innovativeness (PI) significantly affect Omani entrepreneurs' intention to adopt IoT. Nonetheless, the results show that there is no significant relationship between hedonic motivation, effort expectancy, price value, and facilitating conditions to adopt IoT. This study contributes to previous literature by incorporating entrepreneurs' innovativeness, ITK, and trust into UTAUT2. Furthermore, this study was conducted in a Middle Eastern country with solid support from the government for entrepreneurs; also, there is a gap in such studies in this area. This study helps practitioners in the field better understand how to influence entrepreneurs, push them toward using IoT applications further, and encourage non-users to start using them.

Factors Affecting the Adoption of IoT-Based Smart Campus: An Investigation Using Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP)

The advancement of technology is making university campuses smarter every single day. Despite the benefits of these advanced technologies, the literature concerning the adoption of smart campuses is significantly lacking increased knowledge to provide effective smart campus solutions. This study aims to prioritize the adoption factors of an IoT-based smart campus. The study applied an analytical hierarchical process (AHP) on 25 factors drawn from the literature. The factors were classified into technology specific factors (TSF), organizational specific factors (OSF), environmental specific factors (ESF), and end-user specific factors (USF). Based on the results obtained, the most significant contributing factors were government support, privacy concerns, social influence, facilitating conditions, and service collaboration, whereas the least significant contributing factors were enjoyment, availability, reliability, mobility, and compatibility. Moreover, based on the global ranking computation, 12 factors from the OSF, ESF, and USF categories appeared to be more significant than TSF. The findings of this study could help university administrators, manufacturers, and policy-makers to understand the critical factors of smart campuses in order to improve the adoption and utilization of these solutions effectively.

Key Factors in the Implementation of E-Proctoring in the Spanish University System

Between two possible practices when supervising a remote synchronous evaluation, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of Spanish universities opted for the use of videoconferences with audio and active video, instead of implementing e-proctoring. Thus, in order to analyze the reasons for this non-implementation and take measures so that its use can be extended in the Spanish university system, this study focused on identifying the critical factors in the decision of Spanish universities to accept and implement e-proctoring as a method of remote supervision. For this, a causal study was carried out using the methodology of fuzzy cognitive maps, and the data obtained were processed through the FCMappers tool. This allowed a glimpse of the key role played by students in this non-implementation (who alleged the non-possibility of having the resources necessary for the use of e-proctoring and the violation of privacy that the use of this tool entailed) and highlighted the role of the “pressure or incentives from government” factor if these allegations are to be eliminated and if e-proctoring is to be implemented in Spanish universities.

Identification and analysis of adoption barriers of disruptive technologies in the logistics industry

Purpose

Recently, disruptive technologies (DTs) have proposed several innovative applications in managing logistics and promise to transform the entire logistics sector drastically. Often, this transformation is not successful due to the existence of adoption barriers to DTs. This study aims to identify the significant barriers that impede the successful adoption of DTs in the logistics sector and examine the interrelationships amongst them.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, 12 critical barriers were identified through an extensive literature review on disruptive logistics management, and the barriers were screened to ten relevant barriers with the help of Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). Further, an Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) approach was built with the inputs from logistics experts working in the various departments of warehouses, inventory control, transportation, freight management and customer service management. ISM approach was then used to generate and examine the interrelationships amongst the critical barriers. Matrics d’Impacts Croises-Multiplication Applique a Classement (MICMAC) analysed the barriers based on the barriers' driving and dependence power.

Findings

Results from the ISM-based technique reveal that the lack of top management support (B6) was a critical barrier that can influence the adoption of DTs. Other significant barriers, such as legal and regulatory frameworks (B1), infrastructure (B3) and resistance to change (B2), were identified as the driving barriers, and industries need to pay more attention to them for the successful adoption of DTs in logistics. The MICMAC analysis shows that the legal and regulatory framework and lack of top management support have the highest driving powers. In contrast, lack of trust, reliability and privacy/security emerge as barriers with high dependence powers.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' study has several implications in the light of DT substitution. First, this study successfully analyses the seven DTs using Adner and Kapoor's framework (2016a, b) and the Theory of Disruptive Innovation (Christensen, 1997; Christensen et al., 2011) based on the two parameters as follows: emergence challenge of new technology and extension opportunity of old technology. Second, this study categorises these seven DTs into four quadrants from the framework. Third, this study proposes the recommended paths that DTs might want to follow to be adopted quickly.

Practical implications

The authors' study has several managerial implications in light of the adoption of DTs. First, the authors' study identified no autonomous barriers to adopting DTs. Second, other barriers belonging to any lower level of the ISM model can influence the dependent barriers. Third, the linkage barriers are unstable, and any preventive action involving linkage barriers would subsequently affect linkage barriers and other barriers. Fourth, the independent barriers have high influencing powers over other barriers.

Originality/value

The contributions of this study are four-fold. First, the study identifies the different DTs in the logistics sector. Second, the study applies the theory of disruptive innovations and the ecosystems framework to rationalise the choice of these seven DTs. Third, the study identifies and critically assesses the barriers to the successful adoption of these DTs through a strategic evaluation procedure with the help of a framework built with inputs from logistics experts. Fourth, the study recognises DTs adoption barriers in logistics management and provides a foundation for future research to eliminate those barriers.

Supply chain quality management 4.0: conceptual and maturity frameworks

Purpose

The research objective is rooted in the principle of providing new insights and a collective perspective regarded as Supply Chain Quality Management 4.0 (SCQM4.0), an integration of all three concepts – Industrie 4.0, quality management and supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review of historical developments and existing integration trends among Industrie 4.0, quality and supply chain approaches along with future research directions outlined in the main literature, was conducted. This work establishes a knowledge base on research topics, issues of integration and synergies with a concentration on the potential for deeper integration with supply chain operations.

Findings

This article not only introduced the term SCQM4.0 and proposed a definition for it, but also contributed a novel conceptual SCQM4.0 framework and evolutionary perspective through the SCQM4.0 maturation model. Stemming from the gaps, opportunities and benefits identified in the literature, the conceptual SCQM4.0 framework builds on the high potential of the SCQM4.0 constructs to achieve successful governance and implementation. Under the SCQM4.0 maturity framework, it provides a clear evolutionary path underpinned by the SCQM4.0 constructs.

Research limitations/implications

In the effort toward a successful SCQM4.0 implementation, the proposed SCQM4.0 maturity frameworks will be a “road map” for businesses to develop fully and actively in supply chain operations, bringing quality products and services for the company. Industry practitioners are encouraged to perform gap analysis and direct the implementation of the strategy to establish an excellent SCQM4.0.

Originality/value

This is one of the pioneering studies integrating all three concepts (Industrie 4.0, quality management and supply chain management), connecting the link and discovering more synergies to support the future development of more holistic management models. SCQM4.0 is expected to expand on the strengths, synergies and established relationships between technologies 4.0, quality and supply chain, contributing toward a pioneering and quality supply chain.

Investigating supply chain research trends amid Covid-19: a bibliometric analysis

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of Covid-19 on the supply chain management and to provide an agenda for future research in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the SCOPUS database, a total of 191 articles of 1,323 research articles were selected for further analysis. Bibliometric analysis and science mapping were performed which included author influence, affiliation statistics, keywords, citations, co-citation and co-word analysis.

Findings

Five clusters were identified in the context of supply chain management under Covid-19: managing disruptions in global food supply chains (SCs), using Industry 4.0 technologies for sustainable SCs, collaboration across the supply network for contingency situations, coping with disease outbreaks in personal and professional lives and countering the ripple effect of pandemics. These clusters are potential areas for future research.

Originality/value

Literature is still rare about SC practices amid the Covid-19 crisis. Therefore, this study attempts to provide insights and fill the current gaps on this field.

Data-Driven Optimization of Forestry and Wood Procurement toward Carbon-Neutral Logistics of Forest Industry

Investments toward a carbon-neutral forest industry will change forestry and wood procurement in Northern Finland. The changing market situation requires data-driven DSSs for the strategic management of logistics. Using this software, logistics were described by a continuing wood flow model and optimized by a dynamic method. Three logistics scenarios described wood flows in the present and in the future. The optimization minimized the economic and environmental costs, which decreased by 4.9%. However, synchronized multimodal transportation costs increased by 23.3%. Therefore, maximum logistics efficiency necessitates increases in railway transport capacity. The change would also decrease CO2 emission costs. Under scenario-specific circumstances, logistics operations could be focused on four profitable regions, increasing market shares at municipalities. To guarantee environmental sustainability of these municipalities, optimization of timber markets between forest owners and forest industry must be developed further by driving data from the EU’s emission allowance price compensation mechanism to the optimization process.

A Systematic Review of Internet of Things Adoption in Organizations: Taxonomy, Benefits, Challenges and Critical Factors

Despite the evident growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) applications, IoT deployments in organizations remain in their early stages. This paper aims to systematically review and analyze the existing literature on IoT adoption in organizations. The extant literature was identified using five electronic databases from 2015 to July 2021. Seventy-seven articles have met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed to answer the research questions. This study produced a coherent taxonomy that can serve as a framework for future research on IoT adoption in organizations. This paper presents an overview of the essential features of this emerging technology in terms of IoT adoption benefits and challenges in organizations. Existing theoretical models have been analyzed to identify the factors that influence IoT adoption and to understand the future requirements for widespread IoT adoption in organizations. Six critical factors affecting and playing a key role in IoT adoption in organizations were identified based on the critical review findings: technological, organizational, environmental, human, benefit, and value. Decision-makers and developers can prioritize these critical factors and progressively improve their development to enhance IoT adoption efficiency. This review also includes an in-depth analysis to bridge gaps and provide a comprehensive overview to further understand this research field.

Revising Technology Adoption Factors for IoT-Based Smart Campuses: A Systematic Review

Smart education and the sustainable development of smart campuses have drawn significant research attention. This is enabled by intelligent devices that are widely attracting massive applicability in personal and big business contexts and can increase efficiency and convenience. This paper aims to present a solution to address the lack of a proper adoption model for smart campus initiatives. The evaluation and synthesis of the literature were conducted by following the systematic literature review (SLR) procedure. The study’s findings revealed the taxonomy and IoT technologies leading to the wide adoption of IoT-based smart campuses. The technology adoption models and their corresponding variables help the authors identify and classify a suitable adoption framework for smart campuses. The limitations and challenges of adoption theories as they pertain to smart campuses are discussed. Finally, the study adapts perceived scalability, perceived replicability, perceived reliability, perceived privacy and security, perceived trust, the cost of deployment, usefulness, enjoyment, and technicality as adoption factors of sustainable smart campuses. This study offers practical and theoretical implications regarding the adoption and propagation of emerging smart campuses.

An Approach to Assessing Shopper Acceptance of Beacon Triggered Promotions in Smart Retail

This paper studies shopper acceptance for using beacons in the purchase process. The main goal is to examine shopper response to beacon-triggered promotions and propose a model that would help retail practitioners plan the implementation of beacons in stores. The model was evaluated via an in-market test to examine the effects of beacon-triggered promotion on shopper attention, technology acceptance, and the decision to purchase. The test was conducted in Belgrade, Serbia in 10 representative stores where beacons were implemented with 10 twin control stores. The SimplyTastly mobile application was used for sending notifications. Furthermore, two more in-market beacon activations were analysed in Croatia and Bulgaria. The results showed that shoppers accepted beacon technology and that beacon-triggered promotion had a positive impact on shopper attention, purchase behaviour, and the decision to purchase. The results show that the proposed model could serve as a sound basis for the implementation of beacon technology in retail.

Exploration and explication of the nature of online reviews of organizational corporate social responsibility initiatives

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to comprehend the nature of online reviews received on various social networking sites and internet-based platforms regrading organizational corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the novelty of this field, a qualitative exploratory research study was carried out. For this research, 28 Indian CSR experts on online CSR reviews were interviewed with a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire for data collection. Thematic and relational content analysis was applied for data analysis. The data was analysed based upon the theoretical anchors of micro foundations approach, organizational egoism (reputational and economic) concept and organizational logic (instrumental and integrative) literature and stakeholder salience.

Findings

The study analysis indicated that online CSR reviews that organizations received on various social networking sites and internet-based platforms from different individual and institutional stakeholders were complaints, appreciations, observations and recommendations in nature. Online CSR reviews appreciated more of integrative organizational logic than instrumental organizational logic. CSR reviews present on online platforms valued organizational reputational egoism more than organizational economic egoism. The salience of stakeholders was getting redefines in Web 2.0 based online CSR reviews. Finally, micro foundations approach was becoming a more potent perspective in the CSR narrative.

Research limitations/implications

This research study was anchored in the micro foundations approach of CSR (Hafenbrädl and Waeger, 2017). This study ascertained those individuals did matter in organizational CSR narrative (Maak et al., 2016). Furthermore, how firms were evaluated through online reviews based upon organizational egoism (reputational and economic) (Casali, 2011; Casali and Day, 2015) and organizational logic (instrumental and integrative) (Seele and Lock, 2015; Liu, 2013; Gao and Bansal, 2013; Bansal and Song, 2017) was studied. Finally, in the world of online reviews, the notion of salient stakeholders (Mitchell et al., 2011; Magness, 2008) was getting redefined, and this aspect was also covered in this research study.

Practical implications

Firms have been engaging in CSR initiatives towards provision of social benefits and community engagement. Regarding firm CSR initiatives, CSR managers traditionally used to receive feedback from the stakeholders based upon written and special surveys conducted post or during the late stages of CSR engagement. The advent and ubiquitous presence of digital mobile devices and Web 2.0-enabled internet connections altered the way firms received feedback. This was because increasingly online reviews were received from stakeholders on firm CSR web pages, social networking sites and other online spaces. Many of the online CSR reviews were regarding the compliments and achievements that the CSR initiatives had achieved. However, a significant portion of online CSR reviews were regarding the complaints regarding the CSR initiatives. Online CSR reviews received from an array of stakeholders are inputs for firm managers. Online CSR reviews are thus an asset for an organization. Managers need to develop capabilities towards applying this asset for the expressed purposed. These online CSR reviews could be used as inputs to draw new CSR initiatives, redefine extant CSR initiatives. Furthermore, these online CSR reviews could be used as inputs to alter the organizational resources, capabilities, competencies and process regarding CSR initiatives.

Originality/value

This was one of the first studies that integrated the theoretical aspects of salient stakeholders, organizational logic, organizational egoism through the lens of micro foundations approach in the context of organizational CSR initiatives. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this was indeed a novel contribution, as the same was explored and explicated based upon online CSR reviews on internet-based platforms.

A qualitative study of improving the operations strategy of logistics using radio frequency identification

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how radio frequency identification (RFID) is used and opinions about RFID in two world-leading logistics companies and four organisations in their supply network. Operations strategy was used to understand the sources of operations improvement and associated competitive advantage. However, the complexity of operations strategy hampers an evaluation of the benefits of RFID for logistics processes. We can evaluate RFID applied in logistics processes by thoroughly applying the theories of operations strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were recruited based on their roles and level of experience using non-probability purposive sampling. The findings were checked with participants to confirm interpretations and to ask confirming questions as necessary. Interviews were conducted as video chats. NVivo Pro was used for the fragmentation, classification, management and analysis of the primary and secondary data, allowing themes and relationships to emerge inductively. The literature was compared with the primary data.

Findings

The findings reinforce the argument that a firm can improve more than one performance objective at a time; show the relevance of technology and an operations performance objective; support the argument that top management strategies to implement technology should be aligned with the operations strategy and business aspirations.

Research limitations/implications

This research area would benefit from more detailed investigation to strengthen the arguments for the relationships between RFID capabilities and elements of operations strategy for logistics processes. The findings indicate that top management support of strategically aligned RFID projects will have the best chance of success if they create and leverage valuable data whilst addressing identified competitive priorities.

Practical implications

Smart connected devices, such as RFID, give firms access to big data, which can be used to develop long-term processes, to achieve competitive advantage and access new forms of economic value. RFID cumulatively influences the operations performance objectives of cost, quality, flexibility, speed, dependability and technology. Business strategies based on technology should align with operations strategy.

Social implications

The sharing of operational performance results, both before and after the implementation of RFID, will help to build learning within operations, increase the support of senior management and improve the performance of logistics processes with the associated benefits for society at large.

Originality/value

RFID is often evaluated in terms of theoretical technical or cost benefits. This research evaluates RFID by assessing and suggesting how it can contribute to operations strategy.

Impact of IoT on Manufacturing Industry 4.0: A New Triangular Systematic Review

The Internet of Things (IoT) has realised the fourth industrial revolution concept; however, its applications in the manufacturing industry are relatively sparse and primarily investigated without contextual peculiarities. Our research undertakes an intricate critical review to investigate significant aspects of IoT applications in the manufacturing Industry 4.0 perspective to address this gap. We adopt a systematic literature review approach by Denyer and Tranfield (2009) to carry out critical analyses that help develop future research domains based on empirical studies. We describe key knowledge gaps in the existing literature and empirical studies by exploring the main contribution categories and finding six critical differences between traditional and manufacturing Industry 4.0 and 10 enablers and 11 challenges of IoT applications. Finally, an agenda for future research is proposed with 11 research domains to focus on the recognised gaps.

Factors fostering the success of IoT services in academic libraries: a study built to enhance the library performance

Purpose

In the modern era, libraries confront significant service challenges. Some challenges are linked to information resource management which includes direct availability of information for immediate decision making. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a recent technological shift that library personnel should be aware of because it has the potential to enhance information resource management. The purpose of the research is to highlight the willingness to adopt IoT technology in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative research design in which a survey of public sector universities in Nanjing, China, is conducted to investigate the determinants of IoT adoption intention in libraries. A total of 389 responses were captured from experienced library personnel. The literature on technology adoption is then used to formulate quantitative theories. For data analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling using SmartPLS.

Findings

The research highlights the various success factors which support the IoT service adoption process. It is concluded that IoT augmented services in academic libraries must be supported through robust management practices and effective utilization of technological resources. Many libraries have made substantial modifications to their structure in terms of technology and design to satisfy the demands of patrons.

Originality/value

This is an empirical paper that looks at IoT adoption intention in libraries using a quantitative approach through surveying library personnel. The library personnel can aid in the understanding of the motivations behind technology adoption in libraries, particularly of IoT services that may bring about advances in the libraries' capability to provide information access services.

Impact of I4.0 technologies and their interoperability on performance: future pathways for supply chain resilience post-COVID-19

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of I4.0 technologies and their interoperability on supply chains (SCs) performance and how the integration of such technologies and their interoperability can create pathways for SCs resilience post-COVID-19. This is of paramount importance in the context of COVID-19 as the investigation around I4.0 technologies may provide relevant insights on how SCs may better respond to unexpected situations like the current pandemic with the use of digital technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research method was designed based on some constructs extracted from the literature regarding the main disruptive technologies, interoperability, elements of supply chains processes (SCPs) performance such as integration, collaboration, transparency, efficiency, responsiveness and profitability. The data were collected from March to July 2020 from different regions of the world when the peak of the first wave of the pandemic had occurred. The survey resulted in 115 valid responses. The study used a combination of descriptive, correlation and multiple regression methods to analyse the data.

Findings

The study indicates that disruptive technologies significantly impact SCPs performance (integration, collaboration, responsiveness and transparency) and their resilience. The findings did not support the notion that these technologies improve the efficiency of SCs, a significant contrast to the existing literature. Our findings also refute the existing understanding that interoperability moderates the impact of disruptive technologies on SCPs performance and enhancing the resilience of SCs. However, the findings show that the integration of I4.0 technologies and their interoperability has a positive impact on SCPs profitability.

Research limitations/implications

The findings strongly advocate that this integration plays an important role in improving SC performance, and a future pathway of SC resiliency post-COVID-19. Considering that the I4.0 trend will impact SCs in the coming years, this study brings a relevant contribution to researchers and practitioners.

Originality/value

This study makes a unique contribution by investigating a novel causal relationship between the main elements (I4.0 technologies, interoperability, processes performance and strategic outcomes) related to the SC in this new context.

Perceived benefits and post-adoption usage of education management information system

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore and explain education management information system (EMIS) post-adoption in the context of mandatory settings, focusing on perceived benefits and individual and institutional post-adoption usage.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfill the research objectives, the study proposes a conceptual model grounded in the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework. Data for model validation were obtained via a questionnaire and were collected from 144 teachers in public primary schools in the Republic of North Macedonia. For statistical analysis, PLS-SEM was used.

Findings

Based on the conducted statistical analysis, it is found that in mandatory environments, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, compatibility, complexity and governmental support are the factors that have indirect effects on the post-adoption usage, and only the factors, technological knowledge and external information and communication technology (ICT) support, have direct effects on the post-adoption usage. The individual post-adoption usage in mandatory settings depends on whether benefits are perceived in the course of EMIS usage; they become a central factor due to the accumulated knowledge and experience.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to theoretically and empirically discover the most important factors that influence EMIS post-adoption usage. Perceived benefits are considered as external factors to the TOE framework and mediate the effect of TAM-TOE factors on individual post-adoption usage.

Is the US 3PL industry overcoming paradoxes amid the pandemic?

Purpose

Third-party logistics (3PL) companies have experienced an explosion of volume during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Special tiers have been introduced to provide differentiated levels of service to the customers. However, such changes in an organization reveal and intensify tensions known as paradoxes. The purpose of this research is to identify what paradoxes emerged or have become more salient specifically due to COVID-19 in 3PLs' ground operations and how they are dealt with by ground operation managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study conducted in two phases. Phase one utilizes a questionnaire approach to identify the paradoxes within the 3PLs operating in the USA. Phase two, conducted six months after phase one, follows an in-depth one-on-one interview approach. NVivo 12 is employed to analyze the interview data.

Findings

The results show that new paradoxes did in fact emerge due to the COVID-19 and are mostly related to the performing paradox category. Findings from in-depth interviews show that the 3PL managers focus on keeping safety as priority to manage COVID-19 related paradoxes, along with modifying operational plans, improving communication, investing in training, optimizing hub network, introducing modified/new methods and adapting modified human resource policies.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first known to identify paradoxes within the 3PL operations during the COVID-19 and provides insights into how these paradoxes are dealt with at mid-management level. Findings of this study provide foundations for the development of a theoretical framework on handling paradoxes within 3PLs.

Supply chains and COVID-19: impacts, countermeasures and post-COVID-19 era

Purpose

This paper explores the steps/countermeasures taken by firms to address supply chain disruptions in the wake of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a case study methodology and employs 46 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of the three buying firms, four distribution centres and four supplying firms based in four countries (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China and India).

Findings

Results reveal that manufacturers are refining production schedules to meet the production challenges. Distributors are working with secondary suppliers to meet the inventory shortage. Finally, supplying firms are evaluating the impact of demand, focusing on short-term demand-supply strategy, preparing for channel shifts, opening up additional channels of communication with key customers, understanding immediate customer’s demand and priorities and finally becoming more agile.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations to this study. First, the results of this study cannot be generalized to a wider population. Second, this study explores the interpretations of senior managers based in four Asian countries only.

Practical implications

Supply chain firms can use these findings to understand how COVID-19 is affecting firms. Firms can also use the suggestions provided in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and make the best out of this pandemic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the supply chain disruption literature by exploring the robust countermeasure taken by supply chain firms amid COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, it explores such countermeasures from the perspective of three different entities (buyer, supplier and distributor) based in four different countries in the South Asian region.

Advancing the Understanding of the Role of Responsible AI in the Continued Use of IoMT in Healthcare

This paper examines the continuous intention by healthcare professionals to use the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in combination with responsible artificial intelligence (AI). Using the theory of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI), a model was developed to determine the continuous intention to use IoMT taking into account the risks and complexity involved in using AI. Data was gathered from 276 healthcare professionals through a survey questionnaire across hospitals in Bahrain. Empirical outcomes reveal nine significant relationships amongst the constructs. The findings show that despite contradictions associated with AI, continuous intention to use behaviour can be predicted during the diffusion of IoMT. This study advances the understanding of the role of responsible AI in the continued use of IoMT in healthcare and extends DOI to address the diffusion of two innovations concurrently.

Analysis of enablers for the digitalization of supply chain using an interpretive structural modelling approach

Purpose

Over the years, technology development has rationalized supply chain processes. The demand economy is disrupting every sector causing the supply chain to be more innovative than ever before. The digitalization of the supply chain fulfils this demand. Several technologies such as blockchain, big data analytics, 3D printing, Internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), etc. have been innovated in recent years, which expedite the digitalization of the supply chain. The paper aims to analyse the applicability of these technological enablers in the digital transformation of the supply chain and to present an interpretive structural modelling (ISM) model, which presents a sequence in which enablers can be implemented in a sequential manner.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employed the ISM approach to propose a various levelled model for the enablers of the digital supply chain. The enablers are also classified graphically based on their driving and dependence powers using matrix multiplication cross-impact applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis.

Findings

The study indicates that the enablers “big data analytics”, “IoT”, “blockchain” and “AI” are the most powerful enablers for the digitalization of the supply chain and actualizing these enablers should be a topmost concern for organizations, which want to exploit new opportunities created by these technologies.

Practical implications

This study presents a systematic approach to adopt new technologies for performing various supply chain activities and assists the policymakers better organize their assets and execution endeavours towards digitalization of the supply chain.

Originality/value

This is one of the initial research studies, which has analysed the enablers for the digitalization supply chain using the ISM approach.

Towards Supply Chain Visibility Using Internet of Things: A Dyadic Analysis Review

The Internet of Things (IoT) and its benefits and challenges are the most emergent research topics among academics and practitioners. With supply chains (SCs) gaining rapid complexity, having high supply chain visibility (SCV) would help companies ease the processes and reduce complexity by improving inaccuracies. Extant literature has given attention to the organisation’s capability to collect and evaluate information to balance between strategy and goals. The majority of studies focus on investigating IoT’s impact on different areas such as sustainability, organisational structure, lean manufacturing, product development, and strategic management. However, research investigating the relationships and impact of IoT on SCV is minimal. This study closes this gap using a structured literature review to critically analyse existing literature to synthesise the use of IoT applications in SCs to gain visibility, and the SC. We found key IoT technologies that help SCs gain visibility, and seven benefits and three key challenges of these technologies. We also found the concept of Supply 4.0 that grasps the element of Industry 4.0 within the SC context. This paper contributes by combining IoT application synthesis, enablers, and challenges in SCV by highlighting key IoT technologies used in the SCs to gain visibility. Finally, the authors propose an empirical research agenda to address the identified gaps.

Blockchain connectivity inhibitors: weaknesses affecting supply chain interaction and resilience

Purpose

The paper aims to further understanding of connectivity from the perspective of blockchain technology (BT) in the supply chain (SC). It presents the weaknesses (inhibitors) of connectivity during technology implementation, focusing on supply chain interaction and resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Restricting the focus to digital connectivity, interaction and supply chain resilience, this paper uses a systematic literature review (SLR) to examine how the literature has addressed, related or flagged connectivity weaknesses affecting supply chain interaction and resilience.

Findings

This study highlights the influence of connectivity for blockchain-technology projects. Technical and organisational influencers that affect the adoption of technology in the SC are presented. These influencers support the factors proposed in this study regarding the weaknesses that negatively affect the interaction between the agents involved and the SC's resilience. The research suggests that the weaknesses are related to technical needs and the relationships between companies arising from functionalities.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is restricted to a review of the theory and the researched material. Although the author was careful to choose the best search terms related to the research objective, some potentially relevant articles may have been excluded.

Practical implications

The study summarises research on blockchain connectivity influencers in the SC, helping managers to anticipate and mitigate some of doubts and concerns in projects of this nature.

Originality/value

This is one of the first articles in the area of operations and SCs that addresses the topic of connectivity, focusing on its restrictive factors (connectivity inhibitors), in the context of blockchain implementation in the SC.

Key Factors in the Implementation of the Internet of Things in the Hotel Sector

Many factors can influence decision-making, and if you wish to know which are the most influential factors in a decision, they must be classified by their degrees of influence. This study seeks to determine the most influential factors in the decision of hotels to accept and implement the Internet of Things in their services through a literary review and a causal study carried out on experts in technology and hotels. The methodology involves the use of fuzzy cognitive maps and the FCMappers tool. The results obtained show that the following factors are among the most influential (in order of relevance): the perceived reliability of the technology, the relative advantage it gives, the level of top management support, compatibility, customer pressure, information systems provider support, security, business partner pressure, characteristics of the leader or manager, government pressure or incentives, pressure from competitors, technological organizational readiness, complexity, size of the company, and the perceived cost.

A Blockchain-Based Trust Model for the Internet of Things Supply Chain Management

Accurate data and strategic business processes are crucial to all parties in a supply chain system. However, the absence of mutual trust can create a barrier to implementation. Several studies have shown that supply chains face challenges arising from a lack of trust with respect to the sharing of data. How well each party trusts the data they receive can have a profound influence on management decisions. Blockchain technology has been widely used to process cryptocurrency transactions. Recently, it has also proved to be effective in creating trust in the Internet of things (IoT) domain. Blockchain technology can facilitate mutual trust between parties who would otherwise have been doubtful of each other’s data, allowing for more effective and secure sharing of data. However, if the blockchain is not IoT-optimized, companies can experience significant delays and the need for extensive computational capacity. Moreover, there are still some limitations regarding the consensus between the nodes in the traditional consensus approaches. Here, we propose an alternative approach to creating trust in supply chains with diverse IoT elements. Our streamlined trust model simplifies data sharing and reduces computational, storage, and latency requirements while increasing the security of the IoT-based supply chain management. We evaluate the suggested model using simulations and highlight its viability.

The internet of things in the food supply chain: adoption challenges

Purpose

The food supply chain (FSC) challenges coupled with global disruptions, such as the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak, exacerbate its vulnerability. The Internet of things (IoT) is one of the disruptive technologies being adopted in food supply chain management (FSCM). This study aims to address the challenges of IoT adoption in the FSC by systematically analyzing the prior pertinent literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured literature review was used to collate a list of peer-reviewed and relevant publications. A total of 72 out of 210 articles were selected for the final evaluation.

Findings

The literature review findings suggest five themes: technical, financial, social, operational, educational and governmental related challenges. A total of 15 challenges were devised from the review related literature of IoT adoption. The study concludes with future research recommendations for scholars and practical implications for practitioners.

Research limitations/implications

While this study focuses on the overall FSC, further research should address other domains in the FSC such as cold supply chain, agriculture and perishable food to gain a better contextual understanding of the specific case.

Originality/value

The topic of IoT adoption in the FSCM is still considered emerging. Therefore, the present work contributes to the limited studies and documentation on the level of IoT implementation in the FSCM. This study should help organizations to assimilate how to adopt and manage the IoT application by addressing the factors and challenges presented in this research.

Examining the role of logistics 4.0 enabled dynamic capabilities on firm performance

Purpose

The study investigates the effect of technological capabilities, organizational capabilities and environmental capabilities on Logistics 4.0 capabilities and also examines the effect of Logistics 4.0 capabilities on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed theoretical framework is tested using WarpPLS 6.0 software. We selected samples from the Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers in South Africa. Initially, we sent the structured questionnaire online using Google forms to 800 potential respondents. After doing follow ups, we received 230 completed survey responses. Further, data preparation is done using established scientific approach and we checked suitability of its use in structural equation modelling. After ensuring all necessary checks are completed, the results are found satisfactory to further proceed with testing of research hypotheses.

Findings

It is observed that technological capabilities, organizational capabilities and environmental capabilities show significant effect on Logistics 4.0 capabilities. However, the outcome of technological capabilities and environmental capabilities on Logistics 4.0 capabilities (ß = 0.27) is found stronger than organizational capabilities. Logistics 4.0 capabilities shows significant effect on firm performance.

Practical implications

It is important that the sustainability goals are aligned with Logistics 4.0 strategies. Managers need to increase focus towards development of Logistics 4.0 dynamic capabilities that enhance agility and responsiveness in the supply chain. Managers should check the financial performance and market conditions continuously to further review logistics performance as this can influence the overall firm performance.

Originality/value

This study advances the literature on Logistics 4.0 applications in operations management by investigating the key links such as Logistics 4.0 capability development and firm performance.

Effect of information technology-enabled supply chain integration on firm's operational performance

Purpose

Using the assumptions of the resource-based view, relational view and swift, even flow theories and the overarching principles of supply chain management, the study aims to test the role of information technology (IT) capability (cross-functional application, supply chain application and data consistency) in enabling supply chain integration (SCI; internal, customer and supplier integration) and the impact of SCI on firm's operational performance in terms of quality, delivery, production cost, inventory level, customer service and product-mix flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural equation modeling approach is used to test theoretical predictions underlying the relationship among dimensions of IT capability, SCI and operational performance based on data obtained from senior executives of 108 large manufacturing firms listed in the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Findings

The results suggest that IT capability has positive impact on SCI, except for data consistency, which is found to have negative impact on internal integration. The results further indicate that SCI, especially customer integration, has positive and significant impact on all operational performance indicators.

Practical implications

The findings inform future initiatives associated with the SCI improvement via specific IT capabilities. When undertaking such initiatives, managers are advised to consider the differential impact of the following IT capabilities on SCI: cross-functional applications, supply chain applications, and data consistency capability.

Originality/value

The study makes an empirical contribution to the body of knowledge by demonstrating the value of the multidimensional representation and analysis of IT capability, SCI, and operational performance given a differential and even opposed influence by some of the dimensions in specific business contexts.

Performance measurement for supply chains in the Industry 4.0 era: a balanced scorecard approach

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical approach based on the balanced scorecard (BSC) with regard to performance measurement – PM in supply chains for the Industry 4.0 era.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper combines the literature of PM and specifically the BSC with the literature related to the dimensions of supply chain in the context of Industry 4.0.

Findings

Dimensions extracted from the literature based on supply chains within the context of Industry 4.0 showed a strong alignment with the four perspectives of the BSC, which make it suitable to be considered as a performance measurement system (PMS) for supply chains in this new context.

Research limitations/implications

From theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the limited literature on PM for supply chains in Industry 4.0 era. The study proposes a supply chain 4.0 Scorecard and strongly support researchers to conduct future empirical researches in order to get a deeper understanding about PM in supply chains in the Industry 4.0 era. As limitations, the theoretical framework proposed needs further empirical research in other to validate it and obtain new insights over the investigation conducted and presented into this paper.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use this study as a guide to develop more effective performance measurement systems – PMSs in their organizations.

Originality/value

This research is unique as it addresses a significant knowledge gap related to PM in supply chains in the Industry 4.0 era. It brings a significant contribution in terms of understanding how to measure performance in supply chains in this new era.

Adoption Barriers of IoT in Large Scale Pilots

The pervasive connectivity of devices enabled by Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is leading the way in various innovative services and applications. This increasing connectivity comes with its own complexity. Thus, large scale pilots (LSPs) are designed to develop, test and use IoT innovations in various domains in conditions very similar to their operational scalable setting. One of the key challenges facing the diffusion of such innovations within the course of an LSP is understanding the conditions in which their respective users decide to adopt them (or not). Accordingly, in this study we explore IoT adoption barriers in four LSPs in Europe from the following domains: smart cities, autonomous driving, wearables and smart agriculture and farming. By applying Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation as a theoretical lens and using empirical data from workshops and expert interviews, we identify a set of common and domain specific adoption barriers. Our results reveal that trust, cost, perceived value, privacy and security are common concerns, yet shape differently across domains. In order to overcome various barriers, the relative advantage or value of using the innovation needs to be clearly communicated and related to the users’ situational use; while this value can be economic in some domains, it is more hedonic in others. LSPs were particularly challenged in applying established strategies to overcome some of those barriers (e.g., co-creation with end-users) due to the immaturity of the technology as well as the scale of pilots. Accordingly, we reflect on the theoretical choice in the discussion as well as the implications of this study on research and practice. We conclude with providing practical recommendations to LSPs and avenues for future research.

Designing a hybrid cloud for a supply chain network of Industry 4.0: a theoretical framework

Purpose

Supply chain is the area that requires effective and integrated means of communication, shared risk, collaboration and orchestration in order to work successfully and the cloud computing has lot to offer to this domain. Cloud computing has appeared as a modern paradigm in supply chain networks for creating intelligent industries of future. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework that can transform supply chain stakeholders toward Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

Cloud computing is attributed with increasing competitiveness by focusing on cost reduction, greater elasticity, flexibility and maximum utilization of resources which results in successfully achieving business goals. This paper proposes a Hybrid Supply Chain Cloud model, which integrates the infrastructure, the resources and the configurations of platforms.

Findings

This research paper is aimed at proposing a hybrid cloud that essentially helps in integrating the supply chain network with the flexibility and efficiency. It is important that a supply chain network adds value to ensure customer satisfaction and this can be best achieved by collaborating it with hybrid cloud.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a consistent central management and comprehensive view of all computing resources, which gives organizations the knowledge they need to optimize workload placement.

Practical implications

The findings derived from this research aim to facilitate policy makers and practitioners to develop effective courses of action in current and future supply chain management. Therefore, upon implementation, this model can provide long-term benefits for the organizations by improving the overall efficiency of its supply chain network.

Originality/value

The proposed hybrid cloud will provide deep level of integration in Industry 4.0 situation and thereby brought up portable comprehensive infrastructure based on resources and required configuration in real-time environment.