Edith Cowan Journal of Procurement and Supply chain

The Role of Behavioral Competencies in Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience and Firm Performance: The Moderating Influence of Internal Integration.

2025-10-24T12:41:41+00:00

This study examines the mediating role of supply chain resilience in the relationship between behavioral competencies and firm performance, as well as the moderating effect of internal integration on the link between supply chain resilience and firm performance. An explanatory research design was employed, utilizing a purely quantitative approach. Data were collected from 227 healthcare delivery firms in the Ashanti Region of Ghana using convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for data analysis. The results reveal that behavioural competencies have a positive and significant impact on supply chain resilience, which, in turn, positively and significantly influences firm performance. Moreover, supply chain resilience significantly mediates the relationship between behavioural competencies and firm performance. Additionally, internal integration was found to positively and significantly moderate the relationship between supply chain resilience and firm performance. This study offers valuable insights into how behavioural competencies contribute to supply chain resilience and, ultimately, to firm performance. It also highlights the critical role of internal integration in strengthening the impact of supply chain resilience. The findings contribute to both theoretical understanding and managerial practice within the context of healthcare supply chains.

Emerging technological trends in supply chain management: A trend analysis based on the fresh connection simulation.

2025-08-20T15:08:54+00:00

This paper explores emerging technological trends in supply chain

management and evaluates their potential applications within The

Fresh Connection simulation. As supply chains evolve in response to

digital transformation, innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT),

Big Data Analytics (BDA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain

have become critical tools for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and

strategic decision-making. Drawing from recent literature and

simulation insights, this study identifies how these technologies can be

leveraged to improve operational performance in virtual supply chain

environments. The analysis highlights the benefits and limitations of

each technology, with specific recommendations for integrating them

into The Fresh Connection. Although implementation challenges such

as cost remain, the findings underscore the importance of embracing

innovation to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly changing global

logistics landscape.

Constraints to Green Supply Chain Management in South Africa’s FMCG Sector: A Case Study Approach.

2025-10-24T12:56:16+00:00

Organizations across various sectors including those in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry are increasingly recognizing the importance of adopting green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in their operations. This article aims to explore the specific constraints encountered by an FMCG factory located in Durban in implementing GSCM practices, and to examine the strategies the factory employs to mitigate these challenges. The study adopts an exploratory research design, utilizing primary data collected through eight semi-structured interviews conducted with key personnel at the factory. A purposive sampling approach guided the selection of participants. The findings reveal that GSCM constraints fall into four main categories: green procurement, green manufacturing, green transportation, and product recovery. In response to these challenges, the factory has implemented measures such as aligning its green supply chain goals with broader business objectives and prioritizing waste reduction initiatives. Recommendations from the study include strengthening supplier relationships and fostering a workplace culture that encourages employee engagement with environmental sustainability efforts. Given the limited research on GSCM barriers within the South African FMCG sector, this study contributes to the academic discourse by highlighting actionable areas for improvement and offering practical insights for industry stakeholders.

Digital solutions to overcome logistics challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa.

2025-10-24T12:30:29+00:00

Improved logistics performance is widely recognized as a key driver of economic growth. The digitalization of logistics encompassing advanced tracking systems, digitized information flows, artificial intelligence, and automation has significantly facilitated global trade. Despite these advancements, Sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies, which heavily rely on commodity exports, continue to face considerable challenges. These include inadequate policy frameworks, substantial infrastructure deficits, and persistent trade barriers, all of which contribute to fragmented supply chains and hinder economic development. This study investigates the prevailing logistics challenges in SSA and explores the region's potential to bypass traditional supply chain limitations by adopting digital technologies. A systematic literature review, based on predefined criteria, analyzed 287 academic articles to identify recurring challenges and emerging solutions. To enrich these findings, semi-structured interviews were conducted with logistics service providers operating in the region. The interviews revealed that human capital development is crucial for successful digital adoption. Furthermore, enhancing infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and institutional capacity emerged as critical enablers for driving logistics-led economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.