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Purpose This paper aims to adopt a resource-based view (RBV) to investigate the link between marketing (MRKT)–supply chain management (SCM) alignment, supply chain resilience (SCR) and firm performance. It aims to cover two gaps in the SCM literature: the missing links between MRKT–SCM alignment and the performance of a firm, mediated by the SCR, and the role of absorptive capacity (AC) in shaping such links. Design/methodology/approach After the identification of a key capability in SCM, i.e. firms’ ability to align their’ MRKT–SCM processes and the role of AC, the relationships with performance are empirically tested in a sample of 133 firms in the fast-moving consumer goods industry in Saudi Arabia. The data was analyzed using SPSS 27 through hierarchal multiple regression and the PROCESS macro. Findings First, MRKT–SCM alignment capabilities provide a significant direct effect on SCR, and in turn, SCR also had a significant indirect effect on firm performance. Second, there is a significant mediating effect of SCR on the MRKT –SCM alignment and firm performance relationship. Third, a novel finding shows a statistically significant interaction effect and the interaction pattern supported that absorptive capacity would substitute the positive effect of SCR on firm performance, which implies that in the absence of SCR, AC can substitute the role of SCR. Finally, the results suggest a significant moderation and mediation effect for the overall model. Research limitations/implications The investigation is based on a self-reported cross-sectional analysis, and it is specific to a single economy. Nonetheless, it suggests a number of interesting implications. Achieving excellence in SCR requires the development of a distinct set of capabilities because the management of core supply chain activities and the alignment of MRKT with the supply chain are not mutually exclusive, rather they are complementary. Contrary to common expectations, an alignment of MRKT–SCM processes leads to improved interfunctional coordination. Practical implications In the postCOVID-19 world firms should develop and integrate their AC to capitalize on their MRKT–SCM alignment to pursue better performance. Investment in AC is required to develop, maintain and use it. It can play an important role against uncertainties in the long run. Originality/value This paper is unique in that it employs the RBV – to unpack the mechanisms through which MRKT–SCM activities contribute to SCR, and firm performance. It represents a first response to the call for research into the use of such theoretical frameworks which has recently been made in the SCM literature because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper also offers the first empirical test of how the MRKT–SCM interacts with existing capabilities to create SCR, providing clear guidance on how to exploit its often undervalued potential.

Smart manufacturing has become a vital technique for increasing productivity and efficiency. Firms are following a smart manufacturing implementation system to compete in the market. Therefore, it is mandatory to find the crucial factors that enable the implementation of intelligent manufacturing in enterprises. This study proposes the framework for a new model factory based on the three-dimensional model that extends the product lifecycle layer. It also analyzes the significant attributes and interdependence relationships of causes and effects through the fuzzy DEMATEL approach for the selected small and medium enterprises discussed as a case study. The results show that the factors in Region 1 are significant attributes that need to be focused on for the development and establishment of small and medium enterprises under consideration. These attributes include design documentation (A11), intelligently management of small and medium enterprises (A3), visualization and monitoring of logistics and production (A6), flow of information, energy, and materials (A12), management platform and data acquisition for equipment (A7), and visualization of quality and process (A5). The sensitivity analysis is also performed to check the results’ validity, reliability, and robustness. This study aids any manufacturing firm in analyzing the critical attributes that contribute to implementing smart manufacturing.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and firm performance (FP) through the mediating role of absorptive capacity (AC) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach This paper used a quantitative research design. Data was collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. The study was based on 366 samples from Saudi Arabian workers at SMEs. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS/AMOS 26. Findings The paper provides empirical insights. It suggests the positively mediating role of AC in the relationship between EO and FP. The authors found a full positive mediating role of AC in the relationship between EO and FP in SMEs in the KSA. Research limitations/implications The study empirically confirms the role of EO through AC in enhancing a firm’s performance. Additionally, the research findings support SME owners and managers in increasing their firms’ performance by implementing AC dimensions (assimilation and acquisition) with existing entrepreneurial characteristics to boost and increase business and performance. Regardless of the implications, this paper has some limitations. For instance, this study was conducted only on SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, future researchers are encouraged to extend the study to other organization sizes or to extend the study to other industries. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the importance of AC’s mediating role in EO’s impact on FP, extending the previous studies in the area. Moreover, this research investigates the study themes in a relatively new context, specifically SMEs in the KSA.

Digitalization is essential for supply chain (SC) systems to thrive in the extremely dynamic and competitive business environment of the present day. The purpose of this study is to examine the role and the importance of absorptive capacity (ACAP) on supply chain innovation performance (SCIP), mediated by digital capability (DCAP), supply chain resilience (SCR), supply chain agility (SCA), and digital innovation (DI). The study has been designed to empirically investigate the hypothesized relationships on a sample of 116 firms across industries in Saudi Arabia, using a partial least-squares-based structural equation model (PLS-SEM). Based on the findings, all the hypothesized paths are supported, justifying that ACAP positively and significantly impacts DCAP, SCA, and SCR. Moreover, SCA and SCR partially mediated the relationship between ACAP and SCIP. This study contributes to the resource-based view (RBV) and a dynamic capability (DC) theories by examining how the innovation of digital technologies affects SCIP, providing empirical support to the ACAP and SCIP interaction through numerous mediators to develop SCIP, from which also many practical implications emerged. For instance, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses must improve their SC performance by building and integrating their ACAP to make the most of their digital-platform-based dynamic capabilities.

PurposeThis study investigates supply chain management (SCM) practices in a specific fast fashion apparel (FFA) industry. The impacts of SCM practices on competitive advantage (CA) are investigated via mediating roles of supply chain agility (SCA) and partnership quality (PQ). Resource advantage (R-A) theory, in addition to resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capability theories, is used as theoretical underpinning.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach is adopted: a qualitative field study and survey research. Data from 296 apparel manufacturers in Bangladesh are analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, involving reflective and formative, first- and second-order constructs and mediation tests using the Hayes PROCESS macro.FindingsBoth SCM practices and PQ significantly affect SCA. SCM practices are found to directly enhance CA, but, counterintuitively, only marginally. Only through mediations of SCA and PQ do SCM practices enhance CA significantly. This is a departure from past research that has postulated direct effects between SCM practices and CA.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is confined to the FFA industry and one national setting, Bangladesh. The data analyzed is also cross-sectional, with customary limitations on the temporal dimension.Practical implicationsSCM practices contribute to CA, but only through the mediation of PQ and SCA. This is an important directive to practitioners. Also, the second-order reflective measures for each construct indicate the specific SCM practices needed to maximize CA.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on SCM practices in FFA industry, specifically the mediating roles of PQ and SCA, resulting in new, more nuanced findings that are important in dynamic business settings, driven by new theoretical perspectives incorporating R-A theory, which has hardly been utilized before in SCM research.

Purpose This study aims to examine the link between corporate social responsibility orientation (CSRO) and competitive advantage (CA) in the context of emerging economies. More specifically, the mediating role of intangible resources, namely, trust and corporate reputation (CR), is investigated to explain the above linkage. Design/methodology/approach This study considered a sample of 326 Saudi Arabian businesses that have extensive business-to-business operations across international markets. The analysis uses the partial least-squares-based structural equation model, involving first- and second-order constructs and mediation tests using the Hayes PROCESS macro. Findings The results confirm that the relationship between CSRO and CA is partially mediated. Moreover, CSRO does have a direct as well as an indirect positive impact on CA via the two intangible resources, e.g. trust and CR. In addition, results support the serial mediation model where CSRO was found to exercise its influence on CA via trust and CR in a sequential manner. Research limitations/implications This study enriches the limited literature on CSRO in the context of emerging economies. However, further studies should explore the opposite relationship, i.e. the impact of CA on CSRO. In addition, the authors believe that it would also be useful to study the moderating role of the industry sectors. Practical implications From a practical point of view, this study suggests new applications with respect to the link between CSRO and CA. To enhance their company’s CA, managers need to ensure that intangible resources are managed efficiently. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by examining how a firm’s intangible resources mediate between CSRO and CA. Second, originality is related to studying the link between CSRO and the trust and reputation of business organizations in emerging economies. Third, the findings suggest that the scope of a business is more than being responsible to its stakeholders, and stakeholder-driven CSRO leads to sustainable CA.

Purpose This paper aims to examine the influence of perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) on purchase intention in the short-term and corporate reputation in the long-term while taking into consideration of the mediating role of brand image and customer satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The research sample comprising 482 participants was selected at random. Hierarchical multiple regression and the PROCESS Macro for SPSS were used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings Perceived CSR was found to have significant direct and mediated effects of purchase intention and corporate reputation through brand image and customer satisfaction. The proposed causal chain is pivotal for understanding how CSR perceptions influence, as well as shape purchase intention and perceived reputation. Research limitations/implications There are three major implications. First, it is important for consumers to be able to perceive CSR initiatives, to consider them as a strategic investment. Second, firms must develop strategies that promote CSR as being positive for society and the environment, as well as for the firm. Third, perceived CSR is an important predictor in the causal chain of relationships that promote brand image and customer satisfaction, which contributes to reputation and purchase intention. One of the major limitations of this study, although COVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic in this study, is that cross-sectional data were collected within a single economy. Hence, a longitudinal study with samples from other economies in the region may be conducted to compare and generalize the findings. Social implications At a time when corporate objectives are predominantly designed to satisfy stakeholder interests and to increase return on investment, there is mounting social pressure on shifting managerial mindsets to address issues such as poverty, health and well-being, education for all, social equality, unhealthy consumption, hedonic advertisements, global peace and environmental concerns. Marketing has been criticized for its narrow focus on fulfilling the social needs of a particular target market while ignoring society at large, and this study argues that, through responsible marketing, firms can improve their reputation and at the same time can promote sustainable living. Originality/value Direct and mediated relationships that have previously been studied separately are considered together in a serially mediated unified model. This approach provides a better understanding of how perceived CSR can transform purchase intention and reputation.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the COVID-19 health-care system quality (HSQ) and its impact on the individual (satisfaction) and social (quality of life [QOL]) outcomes in the context of a transformative health-care delivery system using service-dominant logic (SDL). Design/methodology/approach A sample consisting of 1,008 individuals who have experienced the COVID-19 health-care system was drawn from four different regions of Saudi Arabia using the simple random sampling technique. The survey was conducted using an online survey and 1,008 respondents answered, based on their experience and knowledge of the COVID-19 health-care system. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was applied to test the proposed research model. Findings The study findings suggest that service system satisfaction (SAT) significantly mediates the role of the HSQ in delivering and enhancing the QOL. HSQ also has a significant role to play on the SAT as well as the QOL. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge on SDL in the context of HSQ in understanding the significant role of technologies can play in enhancing service satisfaction and better QOL during a crisis such as COVID-19. This study also improves the understanding of the importance of customer-centricity, real-time visibility through tracking and tracing of service flow, agile decision-making, fewer but better-defined service objectives, and finally shaping mindsets and behaviors of all the relevant parties involved in the HSQ service delivery process. Research limitations/implications One of the major limitations of this study is that, although COVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic, cross-sectional data were collected in only one country. The findings may not be generalizable across subsequent waves of the pandemic. The best practices of HSQ could be studied around the globe and the results used to support continuous improvement. Originality/value This study advances the understanding of the SDL in the context of a transformative health-care system for a transitional economy by focusing on individual and social well-being during an unexpected crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also contributes toward the understanding of the roles of enabling technologies to improve the service delivery system which results in an improved SAT, as well as better QOL for the society at large. Based on SDL this research validates the HSQ model, relevant measures and its overall impact on SAT and QOL in the context of a transformative health-care service system in Saudi Arabia.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to draw lessons for logistics management in humanitarian disasters, using the earthquake in Haiti as a case study. In Haiti, there were problems with the logistical response. This study investigates the humanitarian logistics challenges faced by various stakeholders in Haiti during the disaster-relief operations.Design/methodology/approachIn this exploratory case study, the central methodology used was data triangulation. Data triangulation involved interviews with respondents grouped into three categories, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the military establishment and the governmental agencies. Prominence is given to the common themes expressed by each group. These common themes are then compared to the themes of other groups to identify opportunities and problems for future disaster relief operations.FindingsThe study indicates that there is a clear gap in terms of how the humanitarian efforts were coordinated between different actors. Lack of civil–military cooperation and coordination was one of the findings from the interviews, and many of the resources and initiatives were overlapping or redundant. Timeliness and efficiency need to be at the forefront of all planning and would result in more saved lives and reduced human suffering. The key goal of humanitarian logistics stipulates is to form connections and relationships, which was well illustrated through the informants' interviews. It was found that organizing different stakeholders/actors to work together by sharing processes and distribution channels demands a vision that goes beyond logistics management. Government agencies, the military establishment, NGOs, locals and victims need to collaborate to create a synergy in generating solutions that are tailored to the shock of the disaster in the first place.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study relies on a single case study approach as disaster scenarios are unique in terms of their impact, magnitude, timing and location. Despite these limitations, this study provides a detailed account of the logistical challenges in dealing with the disaster that took place in Haiti. The logistics-related lessons learned from this case study should be carefully applied in other settings, taken into consideration contextual differences.Practical implicationsOne important aspect of measuring efficiency for any commercial logistics system is key performance indicators (KPIs) that indicate how well the firm is doing in managing its inbound and outbound operations. From a practical standpoint, the Haiti case raised a challenging concern with regard to how to measure the performance of humanitarian disaster logistics. This is a starting point to understand the dynamics of disaster system efficiency and logistics interplay and offers a few lessons to improve the resource availability in the case of future emergencies.Originality/valueThis study lays the groundwork for future researchers to explore and debrief on the topic once disaster relief draws to a close and time has allowed logisticians and relief workers to analyze the response mechanisms used in disasters.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of manufacturing strategies on Industry 4.0 supplier performance. Suppliers play a crucial role in manufacturing supply chains, and firms are dependent on identifying and managing them to enhance Industry 4.0 supplier performance. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive to causal research is conducted with survey and tested via multiple regression analysis. Using the extant literature, four manufacturing strategies are identified and analyzed as the determinants of supplier performance pertaining to the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). A survey was designed and targeted to 200 samples of manufacturing firms in Thailand. Finally, the research model was tested to examine the hypothesized relationships. Findings Based on the results, it was found that better quality and flexibility in manufacturing positively impact Industry 4.0 supplier performance. However, the rate of delivery and cost reduction did not have any statistical influence on the Industry 4.0 supplier performance. Research limitations/implications The data for this study were collected from Thailand, only one country. Hence, the findings are indicative but not representative of other Asian countries. Also, the findings are not generalizable to other industries. Practical implications This study will enable supply chain professionals to understand the determinants of Industry 4.0 supplier performance within an Asian context, which will be valuable to them when sourcing from Asian suppliers. To compete successfully in increasingly globalized world, firms must use their resources effectively and productively. Firms must align their vital resources and capabilities to maximize competitive advantage. Originality/value The paper identifies the manufacturing strategies that significantly influence the Industry 4.0 supplier performance of manufacturing companies.

This study examined the impact of digital transformation (DT) on supply chain procurement (SCP) for the creation of competitive advantage (CAD). This study adopted a quantitative approach using a survey administered to 221 supply chain (SC) professionals through the professional networking website LinkedIn. The conceptual model was evaluated with the partial least squares-based structural equation model (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS. The findings showed that DT has significant positive impacts on SCP and CAD, and that SCP has a significant positive impact on CAD. Supply chain procurement plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between DT and CAD. The findings are useful for decision-makers investing in digitally modernising their SC processes. The study recommends starting the DT of an SC with procurement, as procurement is a complex process involving a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The results show that digital procurement may be an SC game changer in a competitive market. The study provides initial guidelines for a transition from traditional to smart procurement (procurement 4.0). Despite the prevalence of studies on SCP, there is a lack of empirical evidence on how DT of procurement functions can lead to sustainable CAD.

Saudi Arabia has modified from a predominantly free, public, and comprehensive system under a welfare model to more of a mixed-economy model of healthcare. The welfare state slowly moved to a liberal model, emphasizing market forces to dominate in the provision of healthcare and the private sector was trusted to provide a better provision of healthcare. The country has to confront enormous problems in the health sector due to population growth, lifestyle changes, the shift of disease patterns, elevated expectations, escalated healthcare costs, limited infrastructure and resources, and poor management practice in the provision of healthcare. Moreover, the government has been emphasizing the need to bring in private sector investment to improve quality and efficiency, development of manpower, and standardization of services. As the current pattern of healthcare is unsustainable, the country is planning to restructure the present healthcare system toward institutionalizing it to meet future challenges. The governments must make an appropriate amount of effort to build their healthcare systems by transforming and modifying the challenges faced by society and its political-economic systems. The government should encourage equity, and fairness in the provision of healthcare.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a supplier selection and management program to improve overall supplier performance.Design/methodology/approachSupplier performance is measured in terms of quality and delivery within a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) business of a multinational company based in Thailand using a case study methodology. The quality and delivery related data were collected from daily deliveries at the manufacturing plant both before and after implementing the supplier management program.FindingsFindings of the study suggest that the selection of suppliers based on their performance is important for manufacturing firms. Moreover, the supplier selection and management program can contribute effectively to improving suppliers’ performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study has been conducted based on a single company within the FMCG industry. Hence, it limits the generalizability of the findings across industries.Practical implicationsThe study provides a real-life tool for practitioners to learn about the importance of strategic decision-making process pertaining to the supplier selection and management program.Social implicationsThis study demonstrates that through a transparent supplier evaluation process, the firms can develop trust and long-term relationship with their suppliers for pursuing the goals of product development and innovation.Originality/valueImplementing a supplier management system is a critical step in enhancing an organization’s overall competitiveness. To develop an effective supplier management system firms must have objective measures and share those with their suppliers. Developing metrics for suppliers’ evaluation is the key to achieving continuous improvement as evidenced in this case.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the interrelationships between various characteristics of information sharing and trust and their criticality for effective information-centred supply chain collaboration initiatives and, in turn, its criticality to overall firm’s performance. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 189 executives from different firms was conducted and the resulting data were analysed to investigate how collaboration enablers affect effective collaboration and to determine its impacts on organisational performance. Structural equation modelling through partial least squares is used to study the relationships between four enablers (trust, information readiness, information accuracy and information security), perceived collaboration success, and two outcomes (sales growth and overall operational performance). Findings The empirical results indicate that three collaboration enablers including trust, information readiness and secure sharing of information improve supply chain collaboration. The present study finds that “secure sharing of information” was the most important factor in fostering information sharing-centred collaboration. The present study also demonstrates that effective collaboration positively and significantly influences on firm’s performance. Practical implications This study provides researchers and practitioners with a more comprehensive understanding about the information sharing-centred collaboration, its enablers and effects on firms’ performance in a supply chain context. Future research should focus on developing additional constructs that may capture other drivers of effective collaboration. Originality/value The present study makes an empirical contribution to the body of knowledge by investigating an integrated framework focussing on the enablers of collaboration through information sharing and its impact on firms’ performance.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the link between trust, technology and supply chain collaboration and their impact on firms’ operational performances. Design/methodology/approach Based on extant literature, a hypothesized model was developed and tested using structural equation modelling (i.e. AMOS). A survey was conducted to collect data from the supply chain managers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies (more precisely in the food and beverage sector) in Thailand. Findings The study findings suggest that through an ongoing relationship, trust evolves and is shaped over time and can form a competitive capability that may not be easy for competitors to replicate. Both trust and technology are found to have significant impact on supply chain collaboration and on firms’ operational performances. Research limitations/implications One of the major limitations of the study is that the data were obtained from one single economy, which restricts its generalizability across other economies. The study was a cross-sectional and descriptive sample of the FMCG industry at a given point in time. A more stringent test of the relationships between trust, technology, supply chain collaboration and operational performance requires an in-depth case study or longitudinal study. Practical implications The findings will enable supply chain managers in the FMCG industry to understand the strategic role of trust and technology in building supply chain collaboration that leads to superior operational performance. Originality/value The paper clearly confirms that trust and technological capabilities are significantly associated with supply chain collaboration and operational performance. Most of the earlier supply chain collaboration research streams are based on developed economies where supply chain collaboration challenges are predictable, while the current study conducted is based on a developing economy setting. This study facilitates the author’s understanding of the challenges in managing supply chain collaboration within a developing economy.

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the drivers of sustainable supplier selection (SSS) and investigate the extent to which it is associated with a buyer's financial performance within an emerging economy context.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from 235 supply chain and procurement professionals in Thailand. The structural relationship was tested using partial least squares based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and PROCESS tool.FindingsBased on the empirical findings, firms that pursue sustainability initiatives during supplier selection process enjoy better financial performance than their competitors. The analysis suggests six hypothetical paths explain SSS. Suppliers' human rights and safety focus are the most powerful determinants of SSS. Significantly, positive support was found for the SSS and buyers' financial performance relationship. Finally, there is a significant moderating effect of resource investment on sustainability efforts.Research limitations/implicationsData for the study were collected from a single industry, so the findings are indicative but not representative of all supply chains. Due to this limitation, the findings cannot be generalized across other countries and industries. This study is a starting point in understanding the role of SSS in creating a sustainable supply chain. Future research may develop a comprehensive understanding of the nature and magnitude of the impact of SSS on sustainable supply chains.Originality/valueThis paper contributes toward an understanding of the determinants of SSS and its consequences for sustainable supply chains.

The purpose of this study is to analyze different types of supply chain uncertainties and suggest strategies to deal with unexpected contingencies to deliver superior operational performance (OP) using symmetrical and asymmetrical modeling approaches. The data were collected through a survey given to 146 supply chain managers within the fast moving consumer goods industry in Thailand. Symmetrical modeling is applied via partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in order to assess the theoretical relationships among the latent variables, while asymmetrical modeling is applied via fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to emphasize their combinatory causal relation. The empirical results support the theory by highlighting the mediating effect of supply chain strategy (SCS) in the relation between supply chain uncertainty (SCU) and firms’ OP and, hence, deliver business sustainability for the firms, demonstrating that the choice of SCS should not be an “either-or” decision. This research contributes by providing an illustration of a PLS-SEM and fsQCA based estimation for the rapidly emerging field of sustainable supply chain management. This study provides empirical support for resource dependence theory (RDT) in explaining the relation between SCU and SCS, which leads to sustainable OP. From a methodological standpoint, this study also illustrates predictive validation testing of models using holdout samples and testing for causal asymmetry.

PurposeDespite intense research interest in supply chain management (SCM) over two decades, there is still uncertainty as to what SCM is and how behavioural determinants have an impact on it. The purpose of this study is to explore the linkages between the behavioural and marketing determinants of SCM and their impact on commitment and process integration.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of descriptive research leading into causal research, using survey data and testing relationships with Structural Equation Modelling.FindingsThe study found that there are significant behavioural dimensions in SCM and identified the impact of those dimensions on supply chain commitment and process integration. One noticeable finding of this study was the nature of supply chain commitment within Confucian culture.Research limitations/implicationsData for the study were drawn from one single industry, so the findings are indicative but not representative of all supply chains. Also, the results cannot be generalised to other countries and industries. However, this study acts as a starting‐point to understand how behavioural and marketing determinants may impact supply chain commitment and business process integration. A series of future studies may follow this study to develop a comprehensive understanding of the nature, structures and strategies of supply chain commitment in Confucian culture.Practical implicationsThis study will enable supply chain managers to understand the role of behavioural and marketing factors in managing supply chains. The root of Confucian culture lies in Asia, and Asia is an integral part of global supply chains. An understanding of Confucian dynamics will enable practitioners to manage these supply chains efficiently.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to an understanding of the behavioural/soft determinants in managing supply chains, particularly in Asia. This study also highlights the role of Confucian dynamism in shaping supply chain commitment. Both these areas had previously been under‐researched.

The purpose of this study is to understand the drivers of social responsibility in purchasing (PSR). This study replicated and extended the range of empirical application of the model developed by Carter and Jennings (Journal of Business Logistics 25(1), 145-186, 2004). Consequently, the present study contributes to the nomological validity of concept of PSR or Purchasing Social Responsibility. The method used is derived from the previous study by Carter and Jennings (Journal of Business Logistics 25(1), 145-186, 2004), and the present study extends the application of that method to an Asian environment. The data were obtained from 197 respon- dents in Thailand. This sample was largely composed of purchasing and supply chain managers. Respondents were asked to indicate how different dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect PSR. The findings of the present study suggest that all the six hypothesized paths have been substantiated. Individual values and people-oriented organizational culture are the most powerful predictors of PSR. This article contributes towards filling the gap in understanding the determinants of PSR in managing supply chains, particularly in an Asian context.

This study investigates the green procurement adopted by Thai electronic companies. The relationship between green procurement adoption and product performance, purchase price, the organizationpsilas environmental concerns, trading partners, and health and safety issues, is studied. Companies in the electronic industry and holding ISO 14001 certification in Thailand before December 2004 were sampled for the empirical study. The data were then analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences, to verify the hypothetical construction of the study. The results indicate that the Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) and Original Designing and Manufacturing (ODM) companies in Thailandpsilas electronic industry have adopted green procurement practices in response to the current wave of global environmental concern.

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the impact of benchmarking and standardisation in purchasing on purchasing and business performance. The resource-based view (RBV) has been adopted as the theoretical lens for this study to analyse the impact of benchmarking and standardisation on purchasing and business performance. To address the research problem, a survey was designed and a structural model was hypothesised and tested using structural equation modelling with 204 samples. Data were collected from the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry in Thailand. The results of this research indicate that both benchmarking and standardisation have a significant positive impact on purchasing performance and an indirect positive effect through purchasing performance on business performance. Thus, benchmarking and standardising materials and purchasing procedures are important and may help firms to meet their materials expenditure targets and increase the quality of materials, on-time delivery from suppliers, inventory performance, as well as overall business performance.

The purpose of this case study was to analyse a healthcare service facility, Thai Medical Centre (TMC), by applying lean thinking for system-wide process improvement and improved patient satisfaction. To address the research problem, a simulation-based case study was designed based on a private healthcare facility in Thailand. In this research, an attempt was made to understand and evaluate the factors associated with running an efficient healthcare system. Using the lean methodology process and the layout at the centre, the TMC system was analysed and then redesigned to optimise the lead time at its health promotion centre. The findings of this study demonstrate that through adopting lean process the system can become more efficient by providing a better, faster and safer healthcare system, which contributes to patient satisfaction. Also, these findings can be benchmarked elsewhere in order to improve healthcare system-wide efficiency.

The purpose of this study is to understand the drivers of social responsibility in purchasing (PSR). This study replicated and extended the range of empirical application of the model developed by Carter and Jennings (Journal of Business Logistics25(1), 145–186, 2004). Consequently, the present study contributes to the nomological validity of concept of PSR or Purchasing Social Responsibility. The method used is derived from the previous study by Carter and Jennings (Journal of Business Logistics25(1), 145–186, 2004), and the present study extends the application of that method to an Asian environment. The data were obtained from 197 respondents in Thailand. This sample was largely composed of purchasing and supply chain managers. Respondents were asked to indicate how different dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect PSR. The findings of the present study suggest that all the six hypothesized paths have been substantiated. Individual values and people-oriented organizational culture are the most powerful predictors of PSR. This article contributes towards filling the gap in understanding the determinants of PSR in managing supply chains, particularly in an Asian context.

The purpose of this study is to understand the drivers of Purchasing Social Responsibility (PSR). This study replicated and empirically expanded the model developed by Carter and Jennings (2004), and therefore contributes towards the nomological validity of the PSR concept. The method used is derived from the previous study by Carter and Jennings (2004). The present study extends the application of that method to an Asian environment. The data was obtained from 197 respondents in Thailand. This sample was largely composed of purchasing and supply-chain managers. Respondents were asked to indicate how different dimensions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) affect the PSR. This study justified the significance of PSR empirically. Its findings suggest that all six hypothesised paths have been substantiated. Individual values and people-oriented organisational culture are the most powerful predictors of PSR. This paper contributes towards filling the gap in understanding the determinants of PSR in managing supply chains, particularly in an Asian context.