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PurposeThis study aims to examine the antecedents of relationship learning in partnerships and develop a research model that explains relationship learning through three complementary constructs: relational practices, social capital and suppliers' relationship‐specific investments.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines data drawn from interviews regarding 195 customer‐supplier relationships from the metal and electronics industries. In terms of methodology, the study employs structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings indicate that relational practices, social capital and supplier's relationship‐specific investments explain relationship learning to a great extent.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study has some limitations, such as the use of cross‐sectional data and a limited sample size. More empirical research is needed on the antecedents and mechanisms of relationship learning as well as the interactions among antecedents.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that companies must be able to facilitate the development of relational practices, social capital and suppliers' relationship‐specific investments, as these constructs explain relationship learning largely.Originality/valueThe prior literature lacks empirical evidence on the antecedents of relationship learning, particularly in the context of partnerships. The present study demonstrates a significant impact of three antecedent constructs on relationship learning.

PurposeTo investigate the integration process of retailer's information technology strategy within logistics strategy and to find out those aspects of the retailer's distribution and operational performance that are mostly influenced via that integration.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study methodology is used where the managers of the major domestic and multinational firms operating in the Greek food multiple retail market are interviewed. The integration process of the information technology and logistics strategies of these retail firms is linked to their relevant distribution and operational functions. Secondary data for the Greek food multiple retail sector are also employed.FindingsThe findings show that logistics and information technology strategies are developed and implemented in a parallel way by both local and multinational food multiple retailers in Greece. A financial ratio analysis carried out for these firms, suggests that multinational firms possess greater operational efficiency at both secondary and in‐store distribution operations compared to domestic firms, something that is largely attributed to their integration of logistics and information technology operations. Multinational firms' superior operational efficiency is also resulting in a higher profitability performance.Originality/valueThe paper proposes that a successful integration process between the logistics and the information technology functions seems to confer a competitive advantage upon retailers' distribution operations. The paper will assist retail managers and researchers responsible for the development of logistics and information technology strategies to understand that fully absorbed information technology and logistics strategies and operations will be rewarded with superior pecuniary and operational efficiency benefits.

PurposeTo investigate the evolutionary process of the retail logistics network formation, and to propose a relationship framework between the logistics asset buyer (the retailer) and the logistics asset supplier (the third‐party logistics firm).Design/methodology/approachThe evolutionary process is based on the way the asset specificity element of transaction costs theory can be perceived by the logistics asset buyer and the logistics asset supplier. The asset specificity element is linked to both network and buyer‐supplier relationship theories with the aim of conceptualising a buyer‐supplier relationship framework. Secondary data for the UK food retail chain are also employed.FindingsA new relationship framework is developed based on the buyers'‐suppliers' perceptions in relation to logistics asset specificity, and the conditions required for the formation of the retail logistics network are illustrated. If transaction costs are perceived as high by both the buyer and the supplier of a logistics asset, the retailer will engage into a fourth‐party logistics network formation where the use of information technology systems is of critical importance. At this stage, these systems will become the primary co‐ordination device for the reduction and absorption of complexity in the retail chain.Originality/valueThe paper offers a unique buyer‐supplier partnership framework by proposing that the formation of a fourth‐party logistics network will decrease the complexity of modern retail logistics operations. The paper will assist retail managers responsible for the development of logistics strategies and will be beneficial to researchers examining logistics and supply chain management operations.

Food Supply Chain Management Edited by Michael A. Bourlakis and Paul W. H. Weightman The food supply chain is a series of links and inter-dependencies, from farms to food consumers' plates, embracing a wide range of disciplines. Food Supply Chain Management brings together the most important of these disciplines and aims to provide an understanding of the chain, to support those who manage parts of the chain and to enhance the development of research activities in the discipline. Food Supply Chain Management follows a 'farm to fork' structure. Each chapter starts with aims and an introducti

This book presents the latest technologies and operational methods available to support sustainable freight transport practices. It highlights market requirements, cutting edge applications, and case studies from innovators in the logistics services industry. The goal is to help bridge the gap between advanced computational techniques and complex applied problems such as those in sustainable transport and logistics operations. Freight transport has traditionally focused on costs and service levels. However, it is no longer possible or socially responsible to neglect the environmental, social, climate, and energy implications of the freight moving globally. This book places sustainability at the forefront of the freight transport agenda. Sustainable Freight Transport: Theory, Models and Case Studies is divided into four sections. Section I includes chapters that focus on green freight transport policies and existing frameworks and issues. Section II is devoted to using modelling techniques and optimization for achieving sustainable freight transport, while Section III examines vehicle technologies and information systems that help achieve more sustainable transport operations both locally and globally. The final section focuses on the market requirements and presents case studies from key logistics service providers in achieving sustainable freight transport including intermodal transport applications. The contributions come from authors from different areas, backgrounds, and countries to offer a global perspective.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications of supply chain strategies that manufacturing companies can use to minimise or overcome natural resource scarcity, and ultimately improve resource efficiency and achieve competitive advantage. The relationship between resource efficiency and competitive advantage is also explored.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed research model draws on resource dependence theory. Data were collected from 183 logistics, purchasing, sustainability and supply chain managers from various manufacturing companies and analysed by applying the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique.FindingsThe results indicate that both buffering and bridging strategies improve resource efficiency; however, only bridging strategies seem to lead to firm's competitive advantage in terms of ownership and accessibility to resources. The relationship between resource efficiency and competitive advantage is not supported.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could confirm the robustness of these findings by using a larger sample size and taking into account other supply chain members.Practical implicationsThis research provides guidance to managers faced with the growing risk of resource scarcity to achieve a resource efficient supply chain and an advantage over competitors.Originality/valueStudies have explored the appropriate strategies for minimising dependencies caused by the scarcity of natural resources in the field of supply chain management; however, there is limited empirical work on investigating the impact of these strategies on resource efficiency and competitive advantage.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the link between servitisation and circular economy by synthesising the effect of product-service systems (PSS) on supply chain circularity (SCC).Design/methodology/approachFollowing a systematic literature review methodology, the study identified 67 studies and synthesised them using content analysis.FindingsA conceptual model is developed illustrating how PSS business models impact SCC through increased product longevity, closure of resource loops and resource efficiency. It also identifies six contextual factors affecting the implementation of SCC including: economic attractiveness of SCC; firm sustainability strategy; policy and societal environment; product category; supply chain relationships; and technology.Research limitations/implicationsThe conceptual model proposes that SCC increases with servitisation. It also proposes that the main circularity effect stems from increased product longevity, followed by closed resource loops and finally resource efficiency. The model is deduced from the literature by using secondary data.Practical implicationsThe review provides practitioners with a framework to increase SCC through PSS business models. It also gives insight into the various contextual factors that may affect how a manufacturer's servitisation strategy contributes to SCC.Originality/valueThis review contributes to the understanding of the relationship between servitisation and SCC by synthesising the different effects that exist. Moreover, it creates new knowledge by identifying a range of contextual factors affecting the relationship between PSS and SCC.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of natural resource scarcity (NRS) for companies' supply chain strategies.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the resource dependence theory (RDT), a conceptual model is developed and validated through the means of exploratory research. The empirical work includes the assessment of qualitative data collected via 22 interviews representing six large multinational companies from the manufacturing sector.FindingsWhen the resources are scarce and vitally important, companies use buffering strategies. Buffering and bridging strategies are preferred when there are a few alternative suppliers for the specific resource and when there is limited access to scarce natural resources.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses on large multinational manufacturing companies so results may not be generalised to other sectors and to small- and medium-sized firms. Future research needs to examine the implications of NRS for organisational performance.Practical implicationsThis research provides direction to manufacturing companies for adopting the best supply chain strategy to cope with NRS.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the body of knowledge by providing new data and empirical insights into the issue of NRS in supply chains. The RDT has not been previously employed in this context. Past studies are mainly conceptual and, thus, the value of this paper comes from using a qualitative approach on gaining in-depth insights into supply chain-related NRS strategies and its antecedents.

Purpose: Food supply chain in Greece is dominated by SMEs, who face several challenges in adopting green practices. This research attempts to identify the key drivers and barriers influencing the environmental performance of SMEs within the Greek dairy supply chain. Design/methodology/approach: Descriptive research methodology attempts to prioritize the drivers and barriers for improving the environmental sustainability performance. Analytical hierarchy process and sensitivity analysis are used to understand the complex nature of the influencing factors. Findings: The analysis identify five barriers and six drivers for the implementation of green practices within the dairy supply chain. While external drivers significantly influence the market structure and logistics network; Government, competitors and customers are the driving factors for improving environmental performance. Research implications: The study contributes to filling the literature gap on key factors influencing the implementation of green practices within the food supply chain. The identified influential factors will contribute towards building a framework for improving sustainability performance within the Greek dairy supply chain. Practical implications: The study is expected to benefit the Greek and European SMEs by driving their environmental practices within the perishable supply chain network. Originality/value: The paper provides directions for researchers, practitioners and policy makers in understanding the challenges for implementing green practices in the dairy supply chain. The holistic approach followed in this paper is a building block for a conceptual framework on implementing environmental sustainability within the food supply chain. Apart from contributing to the current literature by extending the research horizon to SMEs' green adoption capability, this study also provides better understanding of the pivotal role of internal and external key factors in influencing sustainability performance.