CERES :: Browsing by Author "Bourlakis, Michael"

Browsing by Author "Bourlakis, Michael"

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Open Access
Addressing the food supply chain challenges for UK disadvantaged communities
(The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, 2023-09-09) Sawyerr, Emmanuel; Bourlakis, Michael
Introduction: In pursuit of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many developed countries have invested various resources to address hunger as specified under the UN SDG2: Zero Hunger. Even in the West, there is a growing population of disadvantaged persons (such as single-parent households, low-income families, lone and vulnerable adults, the physically and mentally disabled, among others) who disproportionately suffer from diet-related ill-health, food insecurity and food poverty. The UK is no different. Despite various practical and research interventions, the role of logistics and supply chain management in addressing these challenges in the UK has been underexplored. Consequently, this research investigates the supply chains that deliver food to the disadvantaged to identify the processes, infrastructure and challenges, and to highlight ongoing attempts and propositions for addressing these. The paper starts with a literature review of food waste and surplus food redistribution and food supply chain mapping in the UK. This is followed by a discussion of the data collection and analysis approaches for mapping the food supply chain serving disadvantaged consumers. The findings and discussions section presents an overview of the processes and infrastructure in the supply chain and presents recommendations for the various actors and stakeholders for process optimisation. The paper concludes with the research and practical implications.
Open Access
Blockchain adoption in food supply chains: a review and implementation framework
(Taylor and Francis, 2021-06-18) Vu, Nam; Ghadge, Abhijeet; Bourlakis, Michael
Blockchain technology has received significant attention from the food industry; however, due to the scarcity of successful Blockchain projects and sector-specific studies, a step-by-step approach for implementing Blockchain in food supply chains (FSCs) is still missing. A systematic literature review of 69 high-quality, peer-reviewed articles is utilized to capture Blockchain adoption drivers and barriers, applications, and implementation stages within FSCs. Current Blockchain issues such as scalability, regulations, privacy, and incentivization are identified as future research opportunities. Following innovation adoption theory, a three-stage conceptual framework for Blockchain implementation in FSCs is developed. The proposed framework is novel and is expected to benefit food chain managers in establishing the suitability of Blockchain for their organization and/or wider supply network. Identified influential factors, case examples, and implementation stages are expected to guide practitioners in developing a roadmap for adopting Blockchain in the food industry.
Open Access
Blockchain implementation in pharmaceutical supply chains: a review and conceptual framework
(Taylor and Francis, 2022-10-05) Ghadge, Abhijeet; Bourlakis, Michael; Kamble, Sachin; Seuring, Stefan
Research on Blockchain implementation in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chains (PSC) is lacking despite its strong potential to overcome conventional supply chain challenges. Thus, this study aims to provide critical insight into the nexus between Blockchain and PSC and further build a conceptual framework for implementation within the pharmaceutical industry. Following a systematic literature review and text mining approach, 65 interdisciplinary articles published between 2010 and 2021 were studied to capture the decade long developments. Descriptive and thematic analysis showcases nascent developments of Blockchain in PSC. The drivers and barriers to adoption, implementation stages, and applications identified through the thematic analysis guide in setting the agenda for future research, primarily focussing on the use of Blockchain for drug counterfeiting, recall issues, along with other sector-specific challenges such as patient privacy, regulations and clinical trials. Research on Blockchain for PSC has been slow compared to other sectors, but has accelerated since the Covid-19 pandemic. Identified influential factors, implementation process and apparent applications are expected to influence researchers and practitioners in developing a roadmap for adopting Blockchain in the pharmaceutical industry. The proposed conceptual framework is novel and provides valuable directions to producers, regulators and governments to implement Blockchain in the pharmaceutical industry.
Open Access
Blockchain implementation in the food supply chain: a systematic literature review
(University of Warwick, 2020-06-30) Vu, Nam; Ghadge, Abhijeet; Bourlakis, Michael
This study explores the literature on the implementation of Blockchain in Food Supply Chain Management (FSCM) and attempts to disseminate key insights along with potential directions for future research. A systematic and rigorous process of searching and scanning resulted in 53 peer-reviewed papers for the review. Findings from the selected papers include drivers and barriers to the adoption of the technology, current applications of Blockchain, and typical structure of the system in FSCM. Suggestions for future researches include empirical works to examine Blockchain implementation at supply chain level and influential factors to the implementation process.
Open Access
Blockchain technology for food supply chain: an investigation of the implementation process and impact on supply chain performance.
(Cranfield University, 2023-03) Vu, Nam; Ghadge, Abhijeet; Bourlakis, Michael
The food supply chain (FSC) plays a vital role in sustaining human life and achieving economic growth. Food and agricultural products are inherently perishable, sensitive to temperature, dependent on nature for production, and seasonal. As the result, businesses have to face specific and persistent challenges in monitoring food quality and safety, and reducing waste. Moreover, the globalization and complexity of the modern FSC can lead to pressing issues such as information asymmetry, low transparency, and food adulteration. Businesses and academics have explored Blockchain technology as a potential remedy for the hurdles of managing the FSC. While the technology has grown at an impressive pace, the knowledge regarding Blockchain adoption and its impact is yet fully explored. Therefore, there is a compelling need for researching the Blockchain phenomenon in the FSC setting, contributing to both literature and practice, and ultimately to better management of food products. To close the gap, this thesis particularly aims to investigate the adoption process of Blockchain and its impact on operational performance. Through a series of three studies, this thesis provided a literature review of the subject, developed an evidence-driven model for Blockchain integration, evaluated the relationships between important determinants to the Blockchain implementation stages, and specified the effects of adopting Blockchain on key performance metrics of the FSC. The key findings of this thesis are three-fold. First, the thesis provided an extensive and scientific systematic literature review about the current state of Blockchain adoption research in the area of food supply chain management. Specifically, the literature review synthesized four main themes from relevant literature, including the Blockchain adoption process, drivers and barriers to the adoption, and applications of Blockchain in food management. Second, the thesis constituted a holistic model of Blockchain implementation in the specific context of the FSC. Started with combining insights from the literature review and Innovation Adoption theoretical lenses to develop a conceptual model for iii Blockchain implementation in the FSC, the thesis then employed a mixed- methods approach to develop the conceptual model further. First, interviews were conducted to explore the process of adopting Blockchain in the FSC. Then, quantitative data was gathered by a survey to statistically assess the key relationships in the implementation model. The result is an evidence-based and feasible model of Blockchain adoption for organizations in the FSC. This model details Blockchain implementation activities and critical determinants of the process (implications from interviews findings), as well as analyses the most important determinants of each adoption stage (implications from the survey findings), all in the FSC setting. Third, this thesis evaluates the impact of a successful Blockchain adoption on the operational performances of an FSC. Using the System Dynamics modelling approach and simulations, the thesis illustrates holistically how Blockchain technology can affect key performance metrics, including inventory level, service level, lead time, and cost, at a supply chain level. Findings in this thesis subsequently make several key contributions to literature, practice, and policy. The thesis extended the current knowledge of the Blockchain phenomenon in the context of FSC, especially how to implement the technology and what impacts it can have on supply chain performance. Moreover, the thesis provided valid attempts at elaborating Innovation Adoption theories and models to better explain the particular context of Blockchain in the FSC and bringing System thinking and System Dynamics approach to examine supply chain phenomenon. The results of this thesis inform managers in the field about the approach to implementing Blockchain technologies, and what factors they need to understand for successful adoption. The System Dynamics models in this thesis further provide a useful tool for businesses to experiment and explore the impacts of the technology on their operations. Moreover, the findings in this thesis suggest several important implications for policymakers. Particularly, they highlight the important role of regulators in advocating for the industry-wide adoption of Blockchain, provide an in-depth understanding of Blockchain roadmap and impacts for promoting the technology among businesses, and suggest regulatory bodies direct more efforts into onboarding the lesser iv technologically capable entities in the FSC (farmers, SMEs, etc) to a Blockchain network.
Open Access
The circularity of product-service systems: the role of macro-, meso- and micro-level contextual factors
(Emerald, 2022-08-23) Kuhl, Carl-Christian; Skipworth, Heather; Bourlakis, Michael; Aktas, Emel
Purpose: This paper aims to examine the relationships between macro-, meso-, and microlevel contextual factors that enable or inhibit the contribution of Product Service Systems (PSS) to circularity. It is informed by the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) and the multi-level perspective as theoretical lenses. Design/methodology/approach: A theory elaboration approach is used through three in-depth case studies of UK and German manufacturers. Case studies provide use- and result-oriented PSS for personal computers, power tools, and wind turbines. Multiple sources of evidence, including 20 semi-structured interviews, company documents, and quantitative data, are triangulated to improve the validity of the results. Findings: Empirical evidence for relationships between macro-, meso-, and micro-level contextual factors show significant barriers to the extending and cycling of resource loops, primarily through maintenance, repairs, and refurbishment. A firm’s environmental awareness has a determining role in the contribution of PSS to circularity. The evidence from two use-oriented PSS reveals different circularity maturity levels. Originality: This research makes three key contributions. Firstly, it elaborates on NRBV by showing that a firm’s environmental awareness determines product stewardship. The type of product stewardship practices depends on the enabling and inhibiting effects of macro- and meso-level factors. Secondly, it shows that use-oriented PSS have different circularity profiles and proposes three circularity maturity levels. Finally, it provides an empirically validated framework of macro-, meso-, and micro-level enablers and barriers and how they interact to enable or inhibit circularity in PSS.
Open Access
Collaboration in the last mile: evidence from grocery deliveries
(Taylor & Francis, 2020-03-12) Aktas, Emel; Bourlakis, Michael; Zissis, Dimitris
The grocery sector has transitioned into an omnichannel operating mode, allowing consumers to buy online and have their order delivered to their chosen address. The last mile delivery service leads to avoidable inefficiencies such as low asset utilisation and repeated trips to nearby neighbourhoods, increasing vehicle emissions, traffic, and operational costs. Combining historical order and delivery data of an online grocery retailer with secondary data publicly available on other retailers, we employ Monte Carlo simulation to estimate grocery home delivery demand per 1-hour time windows. We use the simulation output as an input to daily vehicle routing problem instances under independent and collaborative last mile delivery operation to estimate the impact of collaboration. Our analyses show distance savings of around 17% and route reduction of around 22%. These results can support policies incentivising vehicle and infrastructure sharing settings and decoupling the last mile delivery from the core grocery retail services.
Open Access
Collaboration in urban distribution of online grocery orders
(Emerald, 2018-09-05) Zissis, Dimitris; Aktas, Emel; Bourlakis, Michael
Purpose Population growth, urbanisation and the increased use of online shopping are some of the key challenges affecting the traditional logistics model. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the distribution of grocery products ordered online and the subsequent home delivery and click and collect services offered by online retailers to fulfil these orders. These services are unsustainable due to increased operational costs, carbon emissions, traffic and noise. The main objective of the research is to propose sustainable logistics models to reduce economic, environmental and social costs whilst maintaining service levels. Design/methodology/approach The authors have a mixed methodology based on simulation and mathematical modelling to evaluate the proposed shared logistics model using: primary data from a major UK retailer, secondary data from online retailers and primary data from a consumer survey on preferences for receiving groceries purchased online. Integration of these three data sets serves as input to vehicle routing models that reveal the benefits from collaboration by solving individual distribution problems of two retailers first, followed by the joint distribution problem under single decision maker assumption. Findings The benefits from collaboration could be more than 10 per cent in the distance travelled and 16 per cent in the time required to deliver the orders when two online grocery retailers collaborate in distribution activities. Originality/value The collaborative model developed for the online grocery market incentivises retailers to switch from current unsustainable logistics models to the proposed collaborative models.
Open Access
Commodity reference price transparency: conceptualization, measurement instrument development, and influence on commodity price management.
(Cranfield University, 2023-03) Vašek, Jan; Saghiri, Soroosh; Bourlakis, Michael
Commodity reference price (CRP) is potentially an important commodity price management influencing factor. However, despite its importance, it remains under-researched and poorly understood. Anchored in contingency theory and building on previous studies, this study (a) conceptualizes CRP contingency as CRP transparency, (b) creates a CRP transparency index as a tool for classifying and evaluating CRP, and (c) demonstrates the CRP transparency impact on CRP functions and CPM practices. Intuitive and interpretive literature reviews are combined with nine directed expert interviews to uncover the CRP transparency attributes. Subsequently, 111 interviews with purchasing managers explore a purposive sample of 22 CRP to construct and populate the CRP transparency index and to explore its theoretical and practical relevance, in particular, how individual CRP transparency levels shape CRP functions and impact the availability, choice and performance of commodity price management practices. The main contributions of this thesis to theory are (a) conceptualizing CRP transparency as a multi-dimensional construct composed of four measured attributes: accuracy, completeness, publication frequency, and methodology, (b) operationalizing these measured attributes into five transparency levels, (c) constructing CRP transparency index divided into five distinct and meaningful levels following a geological metaphor: black hole, opaque, translucent, transparent, dazzle. From a practitioner standpoint, this thesis provides actionable insights into (i) CRP transparency assessment and comparison with alternative CRP, (ii) how CRP transparency shapes the commodity price management practices and CRP functions and, (iii) offers an empirical toolbox for assessing, comparing, and configuring CRP to regulators and CRP issuers.
Open Access
Data supporting the publication 'Product-service systems and circular supply chain practices in UK SMEs: The moderating effect of internal environmental orientation'
(Cranfield University, 2022-04-19 16:54) Kuhl, Carl; Bourlakis, Michael; Aktas, Emel; Skipworth, Heather
Data file 1. PSSandCSCinUK_JBR.csv Data are available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Many studies uphold product-service systems (PSSs) as key factors for the implementation of circular supply chain (CSC) practices. This paper explores this assumption by testing the links between product-, use- and result-oriented PSSs and slowing, closing, and narrowing CSC practices. It develops and validates survey items that can be used to benchmark CSC practice implementation. In addition, it tests a model that recognises the positive moderating role of internal environmental orientation. A survey is conducted with 114 manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom (UK). Partial least squares structural equation modelling is conducted to evaluate two models. The results show that product-oriented PSSs positively affect the slowing, use-oriented positively affects the closing, and result-oriented positively affects the slowing and the narrowing of resource loops. Internal environmental orientation does not moderate the PSS – CSC relationship, suggesting that less internally environmentally oriented firms are not at a disadvantage.
Open Access
Data-driven digital transformation for emergency situations: the case of the UK retail sector
(Elsevier, 2022-09-02) Papanagnou, Christos; Seiler, Andreas; Spanaki, Konstantina; Papadopoulos, Thanos; Bourlakis, Michael
The study explores data-driven Digital Transformation (DT) for emergency situations. By adopting a dynamic capability view, we draw on the predictive practices and Big Data (BD) capabilities applied in the UK retail sector and how such capabilities support and align the supply chain resilience in emergency situations. We explore the views of major stakeholders on the proactive use of BD capabilities of UK grocery retail stores and the associated predictive analytics tools and practices. The contribution lies within the literature streams of data-driven DT by investigating the role of BD capabilities and analytical practices in preparing supply and demand for emergency situations. The study focuses on the predictive way retail firms, such as grocery stores, could proactively prepare for emergency situations (e.g., pandemic crises). The retail industry can adjust the risks of failure to the SC activities and prepare through the insight gained from well-designed predictive data-driven DT strategies. The paper also proposes and ends with future research directions.
Open Access
A decision support system for selection and risk management of sustainability governance approaches in multi-tier supply chain
(Elsevier, 2023-06-26) Jamalnia, Aboozar; Gong, Yu; Govindan, Kannan; Bourlakis, Michael; Mangla, Sachin Kumar
Lower-tier suppliers' sustainability noncompliance and focal company's failure at meeting the expectations of the stakeholders to extend sustainability towards lower-tier suppliers carry multiple risks, tangible and intangible, to the focal company. It is expected that extending sustainability to suppliers at lower tiers through effective sustainability governance approaches (SGAs) can reduce these risks for focal companies. The existing literature lacks research on decision support tools using management science techniques to help decision makers choose the most suitable SGA/SGAs in a given situation and the risk management of SGAs in multi-tier supply chain. The present study develops a model-driven decision support system (DSS) using Bayesian network (BN) that can assist operations managers in selecting the most effective SGA/SGAs in multi-tier supply chain considering each situation. The developed DSS includes contingency factors and risk variables and their relationships which are identified through a systematic literature review and is applied to the multi-tier, sustainable supply chain of a multinational company operating in China to demonstrate its practical applicability. The DSS is then used in the risk management of the SGAs in multi-tier supply chain, which includes core steps such as identification of the contingency factors and risk variables, the prioritisation of the contingency factors and risk treatment. By Prioritising the basic contingency factors, ‘‘Focal company's sustainability knowledge’’ and ‘‘The specific nature of the materials sourced from lower-tier supplier’‘, and ‘‘First-tier supplier's possession of internal resources'’ and ‘‘First-tier supplier's sustainability training’’ were identified as the two most important factors regarding their impact on the effectiveness of the direct and indirect approaches respectively. Detailed managerial implications related to the development and implementation of the DSS and the risk management process are also provided.
Open Access
Does sustainability pay? Evidence from the food sector
(Taylor and Francis, 2019-04-13) Acar, Mehmet Fatih; Aktas, Emel; Agan, Yavuz; Bourlakis, Michael
This research investigates sustainability concepts, linking them with social, environmental, and operational activities in the food supply chain. Building on the literature treating social sustainability as an antecedent of environmental sustainability, we present the effects of environmental sustainability on operational performance using constructs that reflect flexibility, quality, and responsiveness. For this purpose, manufacturing companies in the Turkish food industry are surveyed and 101 responses are collected. A partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) is constructed to test the reliability and the validity of the measurement model and the structural model. The results show that social sustainability is positively associated with environmental sustainability. Moreover, environmental sustainability has a positive influence on operational performance measures: flexibility, quality, and responsiveness with effect sizes that range from medium to large. Organizations in the food supply chain should consider not only the economic, but also the social and the environmental aspects of sustainability. To do this, governments could inform manufacturers in the food sector about the importance of sustainability and encourage them with different incentives towards more sustainable operational practices. This work establishes that investing in social and environmental sustainability returns increased operational performance. The limitation of the research is the size of the sample. In the future, the questionnaire can be used to compare results from other countries and other sectors.
Open Access
Does trust play a role when it comes to donations? A comparison of Italian and US higher education institutions
(Springer, 2020-10-09) Francioni, Barbara; Curina, Ilaria; Dennis, Charles; Papagiannidis, Savvas; Alamanos, Eleftherios; Bourlakis, Michael; Hegner, Sabrina M.
Higher education institutions (HEIs) have experienced severe cutbacks in funding over the past few years, with universities examining options for alternative funding streams, such as alumni funding. Identifying the factors influencing their alumni’s intentions to invest in their alma mater can be of significant importance when establishing a sustainable revenue stream. Within this context, empirical research on the potential role of trust is scarce. This paper aims to deepen the analysis of the relationship between alumni trust and engagement as well as three outcomes, namely support, commitment, and attitude toward donation. A structural equation model was tested on two samples of US (n = 318) and Italian (n = 314) alumni. Although both countries are affluent and developed countries, the USA has an established tradition of alumni donations, which is not such a developed practice in Italy. For both countries, results confirm that engagement is an antecedent of trust, which in turn leads to the three investigated outcomes (support, commitment, and attitude toward donations). In contrast, the effect of commitment on attitude toward donations is significant only for the USA universities. The paper has interesting theoretical and managerial implications. From a theoretical point of view, the study aims to address a gap concerning the role of trust in the HE context. Managerially, the study has significant implications for universities that want to change alumni attitude toward donations.
Open Access
Drawing on subjective knowledge and information receptivity to examine an environmental sustainability policy: insights from the UK's bag charge policy
(Wiley, 2021-02-09) Manika, Danae; Papagiannidis, Savvas; Bourlakis, Michael; Clarke, Richard M.
Drawing on the notions of subjective knowledge (what someone thinks he/she knows about a topic) and receptivity (someone's ability, inclination, and willingness to take in information, ideas, impressions or suggestions), we extend the knowledge‐attitudes‐practice (KAP) model within an environmental sustainability policy (ESP) context: the UK's single‐use bag charge policy, specifically. Based on a cross‐sectional survey with 568 British participants, we illustrate the key role of objective knowledge for ESP compliance/behavioural intentions, whilst subjective knowledge is key for ESP information receptivity. The need for different marketing tactics to promote ‘policy products’ for sustainable success is illustrated by identifying three distinct segments: the Knowledgeable and Compliant (first to comply, need to maintain information receptivity); the Unknowledgeable But Compliant (need to reduce subjective knowledge); and the Unknowledgeable, Non‐compliant, but Receptive (need objective information the most). Contributing to current and future ESP making, this paper provides multiple avenues for future research.
Open Access
An empirical assessment of the determinants of blockchain implementation in the food industry
(2022-07-13) Vu, Nam; Ghadge, Abhijeet; Bourlakis, Michael
Open Access
Evidence-driven model for implementing Blockchain in food supply chains
(Taylor & Francis, 2022-08-24) Vu, Nam; Ghadge, Abhijeet; Bourlakis, Michael
Blockchain technology has been identified as a possible solution to address critical challenges faced by the food sector. Building on the potential of Blockchain within Food Supply Chains (FSC), this study aims to develop an evidence-based implementation model for Blockchain in the food industry. Innovation Adoption and other prominent theories are integrated to first develop a conceptual framework, which is later validated following an analysis of the qualitative data. Fifteen semi-structured expert interviews are used to develop an evidence-driven, applied model for implementing Blockchain; providing detailed insights into typical stages, associated activities, and contextual determinants needed for successful integration. An empirically validated implementation model advances the extant academic literature and further provides a detailed roadmap for food practitioners, while initiating Blockchain projects with their firms and/or supply chains.
Open Access
An explanatory theory of power in inter-organisation relationships: evidence from the aerospace and defence industry.
(Cranfield University, 2022-01) Simpson, Deborah Catherine; Wilding, Richard D.; Bourlakis, Michael
This thesis concerns the phenomenon power, heralded the most fundamental yet contested phenomenon / concept in social science. The focus is establishing the essential qualities that describe, characterize, and explain power in inter- organisation relationships (IOR-power) to inform debates on the significance of IOR-power to supply chain performance. The thesis is founded on an iterative and critical synthesis of core academic perspectives spanning 50 years and 27 practitioner perspectives obtained from three field studies, unearthing meanings and experiences attributed to IOR-power. It is argued that IOR-power standing replete with unresolved contestations has been under-theorised and under- valued in the literature and in practice. An imbued distain for IOR-power is fuelled by an untenable dichotomisation of consensual IOR-influence and coercive IOR- power – unnecessarily stripping IOR-power of much of its potency – leaving both precariously sharing the burden of explaining IOR-behaviour wherein accounts thus far are insufficient to explain IOR-outcomes of interest. Underpinned by a dialectical critical realism perspective, the main contribution is a plausible theory of IOR-power, a fundamental explanatory process building block complemented by a conceptual framework supported by evidence from the aerospace and defence industry. Advancing alignment with natural-based power, IOR-power is more comprehensively claimed to be the combination of embedded individual behaviour, human creations, and Nature, at work exploiting resources in pursuit of goal attainment – an emergent, downwardly inclusive social and natural-based process governing IOR-outcomes. Accordingly, IOR-influence is distinct from but wholly integral to IOR-power that is rendered situated, negotiated, and indeterminate. IOR-power is conferred its full weight in explaining IOR-performance across economic, social, and environmental domains rendering adopted perspective and attribution salient in IOR-power accounts. The only antithesis of IOR-power is IOR-powerlessness wherein empowerment and disempowerment stand as theoretical bridges.
Open Access
Exploring the imperative for purchasing strategic alignment to drive purchasing maturity
(2017-07-05) Nonhoff, Britta; Skipworth, Heather; Bourlakis, Michael; Mena Madrazo, Carlos; Bernon, Michael; Reefke, Hendrik
This study challenges purchasing literature on its lacking consideration of contextual factors, resulting in generic recommendations that oversimplify reality. Through a systematic review across purchasing maturity, purchasing strategic alignment and strategic purchasing literature, core conceptualisations are examined to understand underlying premises and the impact on performance links. This analysis highlights issues and unarticulated assumptions that limit the generalisability of any relationships with performance. The paper proposes a framework for future research that conceptualises alignment as a smaller gap between the current and target category maturity profile.
Open Access
Facing disruptive technologies: aligning purchasing maturity to contingencies
(Emerald, 2018-12-03) Søgaard, Britta; Skipworth, Heather; Bourlakis, Michael; Mena, Carlos; Wilding, Richard D.
Purpose This paper aims to explore how purchasing could respond to disruptive technologies by examining the assumptions underlying purchasing strategic alignment and purchasing maturity through a contingency lens. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a systematic review across purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment literature. This is supplemented with exploratory case studies to include practitioners’ views. Findings This research demonstrates that neither purchasing maturity nor purchasing strategic alignment are suitable approaches to respond to disruptive technologies. Purchasing maturity does not allow purchasing managers to select relevant practices. It also shows no consideration of any contingencies, which practitioners highlight as important for the selection of practices. Purchasing strategic alignment includes the company strategy as a contingency but does not provide any practices to choose from. It does not include any other contextual contingencies considered important by practitioners. The findings indicate that linking the two research streams may provide a more suitable approach to responding to disruptive technologies. Research limitations/implications This research demonstrates the requirement to develop a new approach to responding to disruptive technologies, by linking purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment to contextual contingencies. This is a currently unexplored approach in academic literature, which refutes the generally accepted premise that higher maturity unilaterally supports a better positioning towards technological disruption. This research also highlights a requirement for practitioners to shift their approach to “best practices”. Originality/value This is the first research to systematically review the relationships between purchasing maturity and purchasing strategic alignment. It adds to contingency theory by suggesting that purchasing maturity models can support the achievement of strategic alignment. Also, future research directions are suggested to explore these relationships.

Browsing by Author "Bourlakis, Michael"

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