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Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the usage of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in journals related to logistics and supply chain management (LSCM). Design/methodology/approach: Based on a structured literature review approach, the authors reviewed 401 articles in the field of LSCM applying PLS-SEM published in 15 major journals between 2014 and 2022. The analysis focused on reasons for using PLS-SEM, measurement model and structural model evaluation criteria, advanced analysis techniques and reporting practices. Findings: LSCM researchers sometimes did not clarify the reasons for using PLS-SEM, such as sample size, complex models and non-normal distributions. Additionally, most articles exhibit limited use of measurement models and structural model evaluation techniques, leading to inappropriate use of assessment criteria. Furthermore, progress in the practical implementation of advanced analysis techniques is slow, and there is a need for improved transparency in reporting analysis algorithms. Originality/value: This study contributes to the field of LSCM by providing clear criteria and steps for using PLS-SEM, enriching the understanding and advancement of research methodologies in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While institutional environment is increasingly affecting supply chains, the effects of institutional forces on firm agility remains largely unexplored. This paper integrates institutional theory with the organisational justice and agility literature to explore whether institutional forces (i.e. legal protection, the importance of guanxi, and government support) affect agility of local and foreign firms in China through organisational justice. Results from structural equation modelling of survey data from 241 manufacturers in China demonstrate that Chinese firms gained agility through procedural, distributive, and interactional justice created by the three institutional forces. Gaining less justice from all three institutional forces (especially guanxi), the agility of foreign firms relied on only distributive justice. Legal protection and guanxi worked for Chinese firms, whereas foreign firms are somewhat disadvantaged in this regard and relied mostly on government support to provide distributive justice for building agility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate whether Industry 4.0 digital technologies can enhance the effects of lean production on social performance. Design/methodology/approach: Survey data collected from China's manufacturing industry are used to test research hypotheses. Findings: The results reveal that the three dimensions of lean production (internal, customer and supplier) have a significant positive effect on social performance and that digital technology advancement (DTA) positively moderates these relationships. DTA adds only a marginal contribution to social performance. Practical implications: This study addresses a new challenging question from manufacturing firms: how to integrate lean, technology and people? The empirical findings provide timely and insightful practical guidance for managers to better understand the role of digital transformation in the traditional lean context. Originality/value: While digitalization is known to complement lean production, this study shows digitalization also complements the effects of lean production on social performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management (IJPDLM) is a reputable journal that publishes high-quality research in logistics and supply chain management. The journal emphasizes the importance of rigorous research, novelty, theory, and relevance. The editorial team provides constructive feedback to authors and identifies five primary reasons for manuscript rejections. The text discusses the challenges faced by the editorial team in understanding theoretical contributions and emphasizes the need for novelty, data collection, rigor, and measurement issues in research. It also highlights the importance of methodological transparency, alignment of measurements with the business context, and the development of genuine theoretical concepts. The text provides guidance on maintaining consistency and logical progression in research design, data analysis, and presentation of findings. It encourages authors to go beyond mere description in literature reviews and make meaningful contributions to the field. The document is a list of references for academic articles covering various topics in logistics and supply chain management, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the field. [Extracted from the article]

This paper argues that mechanisms such as information sharing and collaboration used in green supply chain integration (GSCI) to improve information processing capacity can reduce uncertain outcomes of green product and process innovation. Based on data from a survey of Chinese (Hong Kong) firms, the paper tests whether the three dimensions of GSCI (green internal, customer and supplier integration) improve environmental performance and cost reduction by facilitating green product and process innovation. The results show that green customer integration improves cost and environmental performance through green process innovation (not green product innovation). Both green product and process innovations are facilitated by green customer integration (not green supplier integration), while both green customer and supplier integration significantly depend on green internal integration. These suggest that the distinctive information processing capacity created by green internal and customer integration can facilitate the green process innovation required to improve environmental and cost efficiency, while green product innovation and green supplier integration cannot create such efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]