bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring and managing sustainability performance of supply chains
Authors: Schaltegger Stefan , Burritt Roger 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to discuss what a fully sustainable supply chain might look like and the consequences that can be drawn from this view. Also, it develops a practical approach towards sustainability supply chain performance measurement and management. The paper develops an analytical framework for the assessment of approaches for the measurement and management of sustainability performance of supply chains (SPSCs). Little research has been conducted on the issues, existing methods and possible approaches to measure and manage SPSCs.Design/methodology/approach– Literature review and conceptual development of framework.Findings– The paper develops an analytical framework for the assessment of approaches for the measurement and management of SPSCs. Existing approaches discussed in the vein of improving supply chains and increasing recycling are examined in the light of our framework, and areas to extend the research on sustainability performance measurement and management are identified.Research limitations/implications– Opportunities for extension of research on sustainability performance measurement and management of supply chains are identified.Practical implications– The framework offers help to managers in their choice of sustainability performance measurement and management approaches.Originality/value– The paper provides a structured overview of sustainability performance measurement and management literature and approaches to supply chain management. The framework proposed provides a foundation for further research.
Exploring agency, knowledge and power in an Australian bulk cereal supply chain
Authors: Byrne Romona , Power Damien 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore how information sharing practices influenced inter-firm relationships. This was done specifically in relation to bulk commodity supply chains, due to the pre-existing power asymmetries in the system.Design/methodology/approach– This research was conducted using an interpretivist, inductive approach. The intention was to gather a wide range of data and then explore the data to see which themes emerged, rather than focusing on collecting data relevant only to specific themes.Findings– The key findings of this research focused around the difference between creating situations of compliance or collaboration in a supply chain context. This suggests that by understanding the relationships that exist between organisations, those in procurement and supply chain management roles will be able to better understand and manage the nuances of their supplier relationships.Research limitations/implications– The study is focused on a supply network specifically configured to facilitate sourcing and distribution of bulk grain. As such the findings need to be understood within the constraints of this context.Practical implications– Reliance on coercive power in an institutional change process is shown in our study to create a situation of compliance rather than of collaboration. Reliance on a different type of power, such as referent power, would be more successful in creating a situation of collaboration.Social implications– The sourcing and distribution of bulk grain is fundamental to food distribution in a developed economy. Our study provides a set of propositions indicating where managers can focus to more effectively manage these flows.Originality/value– The definition of the “agent” also provided an interesting point of comparison. This research found that the ultimate definition of the “agent” changes and can be linked to the institutional differences in ownership within a supply chain. This suggests the potential to redefine the way that Agency theory is discussed. The notion that the “agent” is dynamic and is likely to be the “agent”, “caretaker” and more at the same time suggests the potential for the traditional definition of the agent to be challenged.
Using organisational theories to further our understanding of socially sustainable supply chains
Authors: Moxham Claire , Kauppi Katri 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– This paper aims to use organisational theories to frame research questions examining how to embed social sustainability in supply chain management (SCM) by focusing on fair trade.Design/methodology/approach– Drawing on previous organisational theory review papers in SCM, institutional theory and the extended resource-based view have been used as theoretical lenses to develop research questions for further studies.Findings– The authors developed seven research questions that enable and encourage the further examination of the factors impacting fair trade supply chains, as well as identify approaches to improve social sustainability in SCM practice.Social implications– As the aim of fair trade is to rebalance inequities inherent in North–South trading relationships, further work in this area has the potential for positive economic, environmental and social impact.Originality/value– The paper discusses two key themes: whether fair trade is changing SCM practices, and whether fair trade is a source of competitive advantage in supply chains. Using established theory to develop research questions encourages further examination of this important topic.
Benchmarking carbon emissions performance in supply chains
Authors: Acquaye Adolf , Genovese Andrea , Barrett John , Lenny Koh S.C. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The paper aims to develop a benchmarking framework to address issues such as supply chain complexity and visibility, geographical differences and non-standardized data, ensuring that the entire supply chain environmental impact (in terms of carbon) and resource use for all tiers, including domestic and import flows, are evaluated. Benchmarking has become an important issue in supply chain management practice. However, challenges such as supply chain complexity and visibility, geographical differences and non-standardized data have limited the development of approaches for evaluating performances of product supply chains. This industry-level benchmarking approach ensures that individual firms can compare their carbon emissions against other similarly structured firms.

Design/methodology/approach
– Benchmarking has become an important issue in supply chain management practice. However, challenges such as supply chain complexity and visibility, geographical differences and non-standardized data have limited the development of approaches for evaluating performances of product supply chains. The paper aims to develop a benchmarking framework to address these issues, ensuring that the entire supply chain environmental impact (in terms of carbon) and resource use for all tiers, including domestic and import flows, are evaluated. This industry-level benchmarking approach ensures that individual firms can compare their carbon emissions against other similarly structured firms.

Findings
– Supply chain carbon maps are developed as a means of producing industry-level benchmarks to set a measure for the environmental sustainability of product supply chains. The industry-level benchmark provides the first step for firms to manage the environmental performance, identify and target high carbon emission hot-spots and for cross-sectorial benchmarking.

Originality/value
– The paper links the theoretical development of supply chain environmental system based on the Multi-Regional Input–Output model to the innovative development of supply chain carbon maps, such that an industry-level benchmarking framework is produced as a means of setting product supply chain carbon emissions benchmarks.
Do supply management and global sourcing matter for firm sustainability performance?
Authors: Gualandris Jury , Golini Ruggero , Kalchschmidt Matteo 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The aim of this paper is to explore the impact that sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has on company’s sustainability performance (both environmental and social), the direct and the indirect impacts that traditional supply management (SM) has on such performance and the effect that global sourcing exerts on the relationships involving SM, SSCM and firm sustainability performance.Design/methodology/approach– Empirical data were obtained from the fifth edition of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey. The sample consists of 336 assembly manufacturing companies from 21 countries. Data were collected in 2009. The authors apply a moderated mediation analysis to analyse the role of SM and SSCM, and also perform a multi-group analysis to verify the moderation effect played by global sourcing.Findings– First, SSCM improves sustainability performance (both environmental and social) of the company that implements it. Then, SM plays a complex role, as it fosters the adoption of SSCM and makes SSCM more effective. Interestingly, these results are valid for bothLocals(i.e. companies sourcing mainly within their continent) andGlobals(i.e. companies that have relevant international supply relationships). However, forLocalsonly, SM also produces a direct effect on sustainability performance of the company.Originality/value– Findings provide empirical evidence that supports previous theoretical works. Furthermore, this paper expands the literature by shedding light on the multifaceted role of SM and on the moderating role of global sourcing. Results are useful to practitioners and researchers interested in developing their understanding of how sustainability at the company level is related to supply chain management.
Determining and applying sustainable supplier key performance indicators
Authors: Bai Chunguang , Sarkis Joseph 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to introduce a methodology to identify sustainable supply chain key performance indicators (KPI) that can then be used for sustainability performance evaluation for suppliers.Design/methodology/approach– Initially the complexity of sustainable supply chain performance measurement is discussed. Then, a two-stage method utilizing neighborhood rough set theory to identify KPI and data envelopment analysis (DEA) to benchmark and evaluate relative performance using the KPI is completed. Additional analysis is performed to determine the sensitivity of the KPI set formation and performance results.Findings– The results show that KPI can be determined using neighborhood rough set, and DEA performance results provide insight into relative performance of suppliers. The supply chain sustainability performance results from both the neighborhood rough set and DEA can be quite sensitive parameters selected and sustainability KPI sets that were determined.Research limitations/implications– The data utilized in this study are illustrative and simulated. Only one model for the neighborhood rough set and DEA was utilized. Additional investigations using a variation of rough set and DEA models can be completed.Practical implications– This tool set is valuable for managers to help identify sustainable supply chain KPI (from among hundreds of potential measures) and evaluate sustainability performance of various units within supply chains, including supply chain partners, departments, projects and programs.Social implications– Sustainability incorporates many business, economic and social implications. The methods introduced in this paper can help organizations and their supply chains become more strategically and operationally sustainable.Originality/value– Few tools and techniques exist in the sustainable supply chain literature to help develop KPIs and evaluate sustainability performance of suppliers and the supply chain. This paper is one of the first that integrates neighborhood rough set and DEA to address this important sustainable supply chain performance measurement issue.
A step-by-step process for transforming contentious disagreements into creative collaboration
Authors: Edward Freeman R. , E. Haskins Mark 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The authors propose that “root cause analysis,” coupled with critical thinking, is applicable to understanding and resolving contentious disagreements that arise from time to time within management teams. By subjecting the disagreement to a step-by-step analytical process, a rich array of considerations often surfaces, a more expansive discussion ensues, and the decided course of action is likely to be more wholeheartedly embraced.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors demonstrate how leaders can resolve conflicts productively by creating a culture of candor and methodically exploring the root cause underlying critical management team disagreements. They have organized the process into three parts.

Findings
– When a management team acknowledges and addresses “[…]the disagreement and they start to look for the real issue and separate the symptoms from the causes,” that is when the potential for positive outcomes arises and disagreement recedes.

Practical implications
– The authors show that a guided, analytical root-cause process for resolving disagreements is a worthy addition to every strategic leader’s tool kit.

Originality/value
– This step-by-step process is easy for a leaders at all levels to internalize and practice.
Graphene sensors: a review of recent developments
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to provide details of recent developments in nanosensors based on graphene.

Design/methodology/approach
– Following an introduction, this paper first considers some of the motivations for using graphene in sensors. It then describes a selection of recently reported graphene nanosensors for detecting physical variables, gases, chemical species and biological agents. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings
– Graphene exhibits a number of unique properties that make it an intriguing candidate for use in sensors. Research is still at a relatively early stage, but prototype sensors have been demonstrated which respond to numerous physical, molecular and biological variables.

Originality/value
– This paper provides a timely review of the use of graphene in sensors.
Bluetooth parking access control
Authors: Stankovski Stevan , Ostojic Gordana , Djukic Nikola , Tegeltija Srdjan , Milojkovic Aleksandar 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach of using mobile phones with Bluetooth technology to enter/exit restricted area.

Design/methodology/approach
– Applied Bluetooth technology implemented in mobile phones enables the user to perform the identification and the state of presence while entering/exiting the parking space without stopping the vehicle. For the successful implementation of this method for presence detection and proper identification, it is necessary to determine the values of the Bluetooth signal.

Findings
– This paper discuses a case study that has been done at entry/exit of parking lots. The obtained experimental results show that mobile phones with the Bluetooth technology can be successfully applied as presence detection sensors, as well as in processes for the identification of the user/object in the move.

Practical implications
– The paper gives a primer how mobile phones with Bluetooth technology, in addition to their basic purpose, can be used as identification devices to enter/exit restricted area.

Originality/value
– The users have possibilities to access restricted area using a common device – a mobile phone with Bluetooth technology. Successful implementation of developed access control system is based on determining the proper value of the Bluetooth signal strength field that extends around the control cabinet in which the Bluetooth devices are situated.
Optimising maintenance cost performance with skilled technicians
Authors: Peng Au-Yong Cheong , Shah Ali Azlan , Ahmad Faizah 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– High-maintenance cost is the common issue in building industry due to low service quality of maintenance management in Malaysia. Lack of preventive measure is the problem that implicates poor maintenance performance. Scheduled maintenance is suggested to improve the maintenance performance. However, the effectiveness of scheduled maintenance can be greatly influenced by the availability of skilled technicians. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify the aspects of skilled technician to be concerned in maintenance management, as well as to establish the relationship between the aspects and maintenance cost performance.

Design/methodology/approach
– A quantitative approach is adopted and carried out through questionnaire survey. Furthermore, descriptive analysis and correlation analysis are used to analyse the research data.

Findings
– The literature review identifies three aspects of skilled technician to be concerned in maintenance management. Then, research result demonstrates that the skill and knowledge of technician is significantly correlated to the maintenance cost variance. The skill and knowledge of technician must be considered in maintenance planning and execution.

Originality/value
– The research recommends the maintenance management to employ skilled technician through thorough hiring process and to encourage the existing maintenance staff for participating the relevant training, workshop, or seminar.
Design principles for improving the process of publishing open data
Authors: Zuiderwijk Anneke , Janssen Marijn , Choenni Sunil , Meijer Ronald 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to derive design principles for improving the open data publishing process of public organizations. Although governments create large amounts of data, the publication of open data is often cumbersome and there are no standard procedures and processes for opening data, blocking the easy publication of government data.

Design/methodology/approach
– Action design research (ADR) was used to derive design principles. The literature was used as a foundation, and discussion sessions with civil servants were used to evaluate the usefulness of the principles.

Findings
– Barriers preventing easy and low-cost publication of open data were identified and connected to design principles, which can be used to guide the design of an open data publishing process. Five new principles are: start thinking about the opening of data at the beginning of the process; develop guidelines, especially about privacy and policy sensitivity of data; provide decision support by integrating insight in the activities of other actors involved in the publishing process; make data publication an integral, well-defined and standardized part of daily procedures and routines; and monitor how the published data are reused.

Research limitations/implications
– The principles are derived using ADR in a single case. A next step can be to investigate multiple comparative case studies and detail the principles further. We recommend using these principles to develop a reference architecture.

Practical implications
– The design principles can be used by public organizations to improve their open data publishing processes. The design principles are derived from practice and discussed with practitioners. The discussions showed that the principles could improve the publication process.

Social implications
– Decreasing the barriers for publishing open government data could result in the publication of more open data. These open data can then be used to stimulate various public values, such as transparency, accountability, innovation, economic growth and informed decision- and policymaking.

Originality/value
– Publishing data by public organizations is a complex and ill-understood activity. The lack of suitable business processes and the unclear division of responsibilities block publication of open data. This paper contributes to the literature by presenting design principles which can be used to improve the open data publishing process of public sector organizations.
Functionality and prevalence of trehalose‐based oligosaccharides as novel compatible solutes in ascospores of Neosartorya fischeri (Aspergillus fischeri) and other fungi
Authors: Wyatt Timon T. , van Leeuwen M. Richard , Golovina Elena A. , Hoekstra Folkert A. , Kuenstner Eric J. , Palumbo Edward A. , Snyder Nicole L. , Visagie Cobus , Verkennis Alex , Hallsworth John E. , Wösten Han A.B. , Dijksterhuis Jan 
Published: July 2014

SummaryAscospores of Neosartorya, Byssochlamys and Talaromyces can be regarded as the most stress‐resistant eukaryotic cells. They can survive exposure at temperatures as high as 85°C for 100 min or more. Neosartorya fischeri ascospores are more viscous and more resistant to the combined stress of heat and desiccation than the ascospores of Talaromyces macrosporus which contain predominantly trehalose. These ascospores contain trehalose‐based oligosaccharides (TOS) that are novel compatible solutes, which are accumulated to high levels. These compounds are also found in other members of the genus Neosartorya and in some other genera within the order Eurotiales that also include Byssochlamys and Talaromyces. The presence of oligosaccharides was observed in species that had a relatively high growth temperature. TOS glasses have a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) than trehalose, and they form a stable glass with crystallizing molecules, such as mannitol. Our data indicate that TOS are important for prolonged stabilization of cells against stress. The possible unique role of these solutes in protection against dry heat conditions is discussed.
Network analysis reveals that bacteria and fungi form modules that correlate independently with soil parameters
Authors: de Menezes Alexandre B. , Prendergast‐Miller Miranda T. , Richardson Alan E. , Toscas Peter , Farrell Mark , Macdonald Lynne M. , Baker Geoff , Wark Tim , Thrall Peter H. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryNetwork and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to determine interactions between bacterial and fungal community terminal restriction length polymorphisms as well as soil properties in paired woodland and pasture sites. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that shifts in woodland community composition correlated with soil dissolved organic carbon, while changes in pasture community composition correlated with moisture, nitrogen and phosphorus. Weighted correlation network analysis detected two distinct microbial modules per land use. Bacterial and fungal ribotypes did not group separately, rather all modules comprised of both bacterial and fungal ribotypes. Woodland modules had a similar fungal : bacterial ribotype ratio, while in the pasture, one module was fungal dominated. There was no correspondence between pasture and woodland modules in their ribotype composition. The modules had different relationships to soil variables, and these contrasts were not detected without the use of network analysis. This study demonstrated that fungi and bacteria, components of the soil microbial communities usually treated as separate functional groups as in aCCAapproach, were co‐correlated and formed distinct associations in these adjacent habitats. Understanding these distinct modular associations may shed more light on their niche space in the soil environment, and allow a more realistic description of soil microbial ecology and function.
Geographical indication regulation and intra‐trade in the European Union
Authors: Sorgho Zakaria , Larue Bruno 
Published: July 2014

AbstractProtection of indications of geographical origin (GIs) can reduce information asymmetry between producers and consumers, and potentially enhance trade. However, GIs can also possibly divert trade. We rely on panel data about agri‐food trade among the 27 countries of the European Union to investigate these issues using variations of estimators proposed by Head and Mayer () and Santos Silva and Tenreyro (). Our findings suggest that the protection of GIs creates trade when the importing and exporting countries have GI‐protected products. There is also empirical evidence regarding a trade‐diverting effect when the importing country does not have GIs and a border enlargement effect arising from European GI‐protection.