International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences (IRSPAS)

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    Effective information sharing and integration to enhance performance of fresh produce supply chains: A systematic review of literature.
    (International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2017 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Weeabahu, W. M. S. K.
    Effective information sharing and integration are enablers of supply chain integration and have become a major driver of supply chain performance improvement. Agricultural supply chains involve larger number of stakeholders including, private sector, logistics partners, and regulatory bodies. From mud to mouth, multiple supply chain player’s information requirement varies through supply chain processes. The lack of information sharing and integration among supply chain players, result in inefficiency in the supply chain processes. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the literature on effective information sharing and integration in the fresh produce supply chains for performance enhancement. In defining the scope of the study mainly fresh fruits and vegetable supply chain related literature is considered for the review. A comprehensive systematic review of existing literature specifically focusing on the supply chain information flow and supply chain performance is carried out to identify supply chain players’ information network and their various information needs. In most research studies, information integration has been viewed as information sharing and collaborative planning among supply chain entities using information and communication, technology. Even though the relationship between effective information integration and supply chain performance is not clearly examined, various studies have recognized the presence of a tacit relationship. Effective information flow from upstream to downstream as well as downstream to upstream with fresh produce supply chain entities affect the performance of supply chain. Some of the past research studies highlighted the importance of analyzing and validating exact information needs of the supply chain entities for effective supply chain performance. These findings of the study are useful for policymakers in formulating supply chain performance improvement strategies and for practitioners to understand the supply chain players’ information specific needs and network for supply chain performance improvement.
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    Impact of lean supply chain strategies and third-party logistics (3PL) outsourcing on the supply chain performance.
    (International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2017 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Tharaka, V. K.; Suraweera, R. N.; Galahitiyawe, N. W. K.
    This research fills a knowledge gap in the contemporary topics on lean supply chain strategies, third party logistics (3PL) outsourcing and on supply chain performance. According to the published literature, most organizations’ objective of outsourcing logistics is to achieve at least 20 percent cost reduction. The practice of 3PL outsourcing is a growing trend; especially in Asian countries. This study examined the significance of the relationship among the variables; Lean supply chain strategy, Supply chain performance, Strategic partnership with 3PLs and 3PL offerings in terms of the competency of the 3PL; which were measured using a defined set of questions, scored in 1-5 Likert Scales. This research has been designed as a mixed method research, involving both quantitative and case study research approaches. The quantitative study analysed 106 usable responses out of 250 of population. The unit of analysis is manufacturing organizations in Sri Lanka who have outsourced at least one of their logistics activities to 3PL(s), and respondents were middle level managers. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique was used to analyse the data using SmartPLS. The qualitative data were collected through several interviews carried out among the key personnel in a leading thread manufacturing company and its respective third party services provider, and analysed as a case study in order to further verify the findings of the quantitative analysis. The study finds that there is a mediating effect (partial) of strategic partnership with 3PLs on the relationship between lean supply chain strategy and supply chain performance. Further to that, the competency of the 3PL has influenced in increasing (moderating effect) the supply chain performance of the focal firm irrespective of the scope outsourced. The qualitative study reveals that lean practices resulted in bringing down the manufacturing costs, inventory holding costs, improving delivery accuracy and information visibility across supply chain partners, after outsourcing the activities. The findings of this study helps managers to identify how to yield benefits from outsourcing and most specifically, the importance of having a strategic partnership with 3PLs and involve them in the strategic planning.