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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the architecture of supply chain collaboration and to propose a design for supply chain collaboration (DfC), which enables participating members to create and develop key elements of the proposed architecture.Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers a concept for designing the five elements of the architecture of supply chain collaboration, namely collaborative performance system, decision synchronisation, information sharing, incentive alignment, and innovative supply chain processes. A case study was carried out to illustrate the applicability of the framework.FindingsDfC was confirmed using a case to evaluate a supply chain system in which the chain members concurrently designed the architecture of supply chain collaboration. The findings show that design for collaboration facilitates the chain members to have a broader view to develop and ensure an effective collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsSecondary data were collected to describe the collaborative practice in the company. Future research is required to elicit primary data using interview or focus group representing key players of collaboration for the purpose of model enhancement and action research.Practical implicationsThe concept of DfC can be used by the chain members in the discussion forum to (re)design appropriate settings of the five elements of the architecture that lead to better overall performance.Originality/valuePrevious research has indicated the emerging school of design for collaboration. However, current researchers pay little attention to integrating and revealing the interactions of key design elements that drive the effectiveness of the chain members to realise better performance. The paper, for the first time, offers a novel framework for understanding DfC.

PurposeThis paper proposes an instrument to measure the extent of collaboration in a supply chain consisting of two members, suppliers and retailers.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model for collaboration incorporates collaborative practices in information sharing, decision synchronisation and incentive alignment. A collaboration index is introduced to measure the level of collaborative practices. A survey of companies in New Zealand was conducted to obtain data to test and evaluate the collaboration index.FindingsThe survey results confirmed the reliability and validity of the proposed collaboration index measure for measuring collaboration. The findings also showed that the collaboration index was positively associated with operational performance.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could consider larger sample sizes and cover other industry types.Practical implicationsSupply chain participants will be able to measure the extent of their collaboration and seek improvement in their performance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by introducing a new index for measuring the extent of supply chain collaboration. This measure can be used by any participant (member) in a supply chain to identify the level of collaboration and seek improvement.

One renewable energy form currently being promoted is that of biodiesel asa substitute for diesel fuel. This involves mixing biodiesel with petrodieselin proportions governed by the respective regulations of each country. Thepurposes of this research are to support the exploiting of biodiesel forms ofrenewable energy and to optimize the palm oil-sourced biodiesel supply chainby conducting an Indonesia-based case study. The optimization process wasimplemented in accordance with the government's mandate and long-termplanning. There are two decision variables to consider. First, the model willidentify the optimum delivery point locations as a blending terminal betweenbiodiesel and petrodiesel (petroleum diesel). Second, it will determine thelocation of biodiesel plants' construction in order to satisfy the government'smandate. The results show that, while determining delivery point locationsaffects supply chain costs, it does not do so significantly. More influentialis determining the construction locations of biodiesel plants and this studyprovides a model for deciding the delivery points and locations of biodieselplants in order to minimize biodiesel supply chain costs in Indonesia. This study presents in detail biodiesel supply chain process in Indonesia and basedon the literature, no research was found on studying optimization biodieselsupply chain in Indonesia.

The creative design process is often characterised by high task uncertainty and tight dependency on other functions both within a firm and with external parties. Coordination thus plays a key role in integrating different functions related to the design process in attaining a common objective of delivering products to end customers. This paper examines coordination mechanisms and their determinants in the creative design process of a fashion firm. It is argued that coordination mechanisms are driven by a set of three determinants, namely responsibility interdependence, uncertainty, and conflict. Findings from the case study are presented and areas for future research are provided.

For remote areas, small-scale local biodiesel production is particularly attractive if producers and consumers are the same. Such supply chains are labeled as bidirectional. However, little is known on how raw material supply, transportation, logistics, production and operations uncertainties impact the operational performance of such Bidirectional Biodiesel Supply Chains. This paper contributes by exploring these uncertainties in a multiple case study, directed at mobile processing of rubber seeds, in a remote area. Scientifically, the paper contributes by identifying several novel sources of uncertainty: a short-term perspective, lack of knowledge and the previously unrecognized influence of the local government. Additionally, based on these findings, an extended theoretical framework is proposed which links sources of uncertainty to operational performance. The study provides also insights for stakeholders aiming to increase local biofuel production and provides a stepping-stone to investigate adequate measures to manage the identified uncertainties. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.