Key research themes
1. How is the integration of digital and information technologies transforming supply chain management practices and performance?
This research theme investigates the deployment and impact of advanced digital technologies—including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), e-business, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—in enhancing supply chain management effectiveness. It is crucial as digital transformation promises to improve coordination, transparency, responsiveness, and cost-efficiency across supply chains, which is essential in the current competitive and complex global environment.
2. What are effective strategies and frameworks for improving supply chain performance through integrated design and key performance indicators (KPIs)?
This theme focuses on the development and application of comprehensive frameworks and strategic metrics to enhance supply chain efficiency, responsiveness, and sustainability. It is significant because multidimensional performance assessment combined with strategic supply chain design enables organizations to align operational activities with broader competitive objectives and dynamic environmental conditions.
3. How can blockchain and related emerging technologies enhance supply chain security, traceability, and authenticity?
This research area explores the application of blockchain technology and smart contracts to address persistent challenges in supply chain security and transparency. Its importance lies in enabling immutable, tamper-proof documentation and end-to-end traceability, which are essential for ensuring product authenticity and trust in increasingly complex, globalized supply networks.
4. How is supply chain management conceptualized in relation to traditional business functions, and what organizational implications arise from these conceptualizations?
This theme addresses the definitional and organizational boundaries of supply chain management (SCM) in relation to logistics, marketing, production, and operations management. Understanding these relationships is critical as it affects managerial decision-making authority, academic domains, corporate structure, and the strategic alignment of SCM within organizations.