The International Journal of Logistics Management

Banomyong, Ruth; Ahsan, Kamrul

doi: 10.1108/ijlm-05-2026-786pmid: N/A

Banomyong, Ruth; Varadejsatitwong, Paitoon; Julagasigorn, Puthipong; Tay, Huay Ling

doi: 10.1108/ijlm-02-2025-0116pmid: N/A

This research introduces and validates the border performance index (BPI), a comprehensive tool to assess border efficiency across four dimensions: infrastructure, institutional framework, logistics service providers (LSPs), and shippers and/or consignees.Design/methodology/approachThe research used a mixed-methods approach to design and validate the BPI, grounded in Banomyong’s macro logistics system. It involved stakeholder analysis, questionnaire development through literature review and expert consultations and deployment at nine Thailand border checkpoints. BPI scores were calculated and ranked to identify performance gaps and recommend improvements.FindingsThe findings demonstrated that the BPI effectively evaluated border operations, highlighting infrastructure as the weakest dimension and institutional frameworks as generally adequate. LSPs and shippers and/or consignees performed well, reflecting strong delivery capabilities. Minimal differences in total BPI scores across nine Thai border checkpoints suggested a need for further refinement to capture nuanced variations. The BPI was validated as a valuable tool for identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks, benchmarking performance and guiding policy development to enhance cross-border trade efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to Thailand’s land border checkpoints, excluding neighboring countries’ input and bilateral gap analysis.Practical implicationsThe BPI offers policymakers and stakeholders a holistic framework and comprehensive tool to benchmark border operations, identify improvements in cross-border trade operations and guide targeted interventions.Originality/valueThe BPI is a novel tool for assessing border efficiency, addressing macro- and micro-level dynamics across the four dimensions.

Sawyerr, Emmanuel; Bourlakis, Michael

doi: 10.1108/ijlm-02-2025-0118pmid: N/A

Food insecurity remains a pressing global concern, with the role of charitable surplus food redistributors becoming increasingly crucial. Previous studies have highlighted the need for increased cooperation among redistributors who also compete for both surplus food and funding. Inspired by the benefits of coopetition in commercial food supply chains, this study explores coopetition in the food aid supply chain.Design/methodology/approachWe interviewed managers of 35 purposively sampled surplus food redistributing organisations across England. Our data were analysed abductively, guided by an adapted coopetition conceptual model for the food aid context to derive theoretically and practically meaningful insights.FindingsRedistributors, driven by the shared social concern for disadvantaged groups, commit food and logistics resources both vertically and horizontally to coopetitive relationships. Notwithstanding, power dynamics and value conflicts, along with resource scarcity, undermine joint and firm value creation opportunities and heighten value destruction.Research limitations/implicationsBy focusing exclusively on the food aid supply chain, this study parsimoniously offers a context-specific theoretical framework whose applicability to other supply chain types may be limited. However, this contextual specificity presents valuable opportunities for future research. Further inquiry could explore the influence of external actors (such as governments and donors), the effects of relational direction across varied supply chain configurations and the governance mechanisms that shape coopetitive dynamics more broadly.Originality/valueCoopetition in the context of surplus food redistribution is underexplored. Our study uniquely engages actors in the two-stage food aid supply chain and proffers pathways for navigating simultaneity and value creation intent towards transformational societal impact.

Dadsena, Krishna Kumar; Rathore, Pradeep; Mathiyazhagan, Kaliyan; Jayaraman, Raja; Saha, Esha

doi: 10.1108/ijlm-06-2024-0341pmid: N/A

While many firms in the developing economies are actively engaged in the circular economy practices, they face a range of challenges in transitioning to and scaling circular practices in their supply chain. Prior related studies lack empirical evidence on the adoption of circular economy practices in the supply chain with the focus on developing countries. Hence, this research attempts to investigate various factors from the industrial symbiosis lens, such as firm collaboration and social innovation, and from the ecological modernization lens, such as technological development, organizational intention and government policy, and their effects on adoption of circular economy practices in supply chain to provide evidence on the improvement in the firm performance, specifically in emerging economies like India. The moderating role of firm type (manufacturing and service industries) and firm size (large-scale and small-and-medium scale) in the Indian context is also examined.Design/methodology/approachThe study proposes 18 hypotheses by integrating and extending the industrial symbiosis and ecological modernization theories. Self-administered questionnaire survey is used to gather quantitative data. Respondents are managers and executives of large-, medium- and small-scale manufacturing and service firms in India. Structural equation modelling approach is applied to analyse and test the hypotheses. For confirming the inferences drawn from the model and ensuring the model’s predictability, a robustness test on the model is performed.FindingsResults revealed that firm collaboration, government policy and organizational intention directly and positively impact adoption of circular economy practices in the supply chain. The circular economy practices in supply chain also indicated a direct and positive relationship with firm performance. Firm type moderates the relationship of government policy and adoption of circular economy practices in the supply chain, and firm size moderates the association between organizational intention and adoption of circular economy practices in supply chain followed by the firm performance.Originality/valueGiven the complexities of developing countries like India, the study concentrated on identifying the significant factors that facilitate the adoption of circular economy practices in the supply chain and thereby, the firm performance in the Indian context from the theoretical lens of industrial symbiosis and ecological modernization. Besides, the moderating role of firm type (manufacturing and service firms) and firm size (large corporations and small and medium enterprises) on the relationships in the Indian context is also an addition to the existing related literature. Overall, the study stands out as one of the few attempts to provide empirical evidence on the factors influencing adoption of circular economy practices in the supply chain to improve the performance of firms from a developing country perspective.

Batwa, Abbas; Norrman, Andreas; Arvidsson, Ala

doi: 10.1108/ijlm-01-2025-0044pmid: N/A

This study critically examines the claim that blockchain technology (BCT) can create a trustless system in supply chain management (SCM). It explores the nuanced relationship between trust and BCT, offering empirical insights into how trust is shaped when BCT is introduced in sustainability-oriented supply chains.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a multiple case study approach, the research investigates three blockchain initiatives in the steel, copper and mango supply chains. Drawing on 11 in-depth interviews and guided by the conceptualisations and frameworks in inter-organisational trust literature, the study analyses trust from two angles: trust in SC partners and trust in the technology itself.FindingsThe study shows that BCT cannot fully eliminate the need for trust in today’s supply chains. Instead, it changes how trust works, affecting both relationships between SC partners and trust in the technology itself. Openness and transparency are seen as key factors that build trust in the context of blockchain-based SCM, especially when used to support shared sustainability goals. Traditional elements of trust, such as competence, goodwill and integrity, are still important antecedents. At the same time, trust in the technology depends on how well it functions, how dependable it is and how helpful it proves to be. These dimensions influence whether Blockchain is adopted and also evolve as the technology is used.Practical implicationsThe framework and research propositions developed in this study can help SC managers critically assess whether Blockchain is truly valuable for their operations rather than simply following the hype. Managers are offered practical methods to assess trust in both SC partners and the technology itself, especially during early proof of concepts or pilot projects.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by offering a multidimensional and reciprocal framework for understanding trust in Blockchain-enabled supply chains. It shows how trust flows both between partners and toward the technology itself. The framework is grounded in real-world cases and offers research propositions specifically relevant to SCM with a sustainability focus.

Tetteh, Francis Kamewor; Owusu Kwateng, Kwame; Nuertey, Dorcas; Mensah, John

doi: 10.1108/ijlm-03-2025-0222pmid: N/A

Owing to the increasing significance of green and sustainable practices in global supply chains, this study examines the influence of supply chain pressures (internal and external) on the adoption of green logistics practices. The study further proposed and validated the roles of civic and custodial forces as additional institutional pressures that could facilitate the adoption of green logistics practices in the sub-Saharan African (SSA) setting.Design/methodology/approachThe partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze survey data collected from 208 managers of logistics firms in Ghana.FindingsThe study revealed that pressure from supply chain stakeholders (internal and external), as well as custodial and civic forces, significantly influences firms to adopt GLPs. The findings further showed that custodial force significantly amplifies the influence of supply chain stakeholders (internal and external) on GLP adoption. Finally, civic force was found to positively and significantly moderate the path between external supply chain pressure and GLP adoption but contrary to the path connecting internal supply chain pressure and GLP adoption.Originality/valueThe study advances the institutional theory and sustainable logistics literature by theorizing and validating additional dimensions of institutional forces (civic and custodial forces) and how they interact with supply chain pressures to facilitate the GLPs' adoption in sub-Saharan African (SSA) settings.

Salema, Gladness Ladislaus

doi: 10.1108/ijlm-04-2024-0228pmid: N/A

This study aims to investigate how four dynamic capabilities – agility, robustness, risk management and resource reconfiguration – influence the vaccine supply chain resilience (SCRE) and determine whether structural complexity moderates these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative research approach employed stratified random sampling to select both urban- and rural-setting-based health facilities. Moreover, a semi-structured questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 250 public health facilities in Tanzania, with 228 facilities qualifying for further analysis. The key informants comprised vaccinators from these public health facilities. Cross-sectional survey data from the public health facilities in mainland Tanzania's vaccine supply chain (SC) were analysed using partial least-squares structural-equation modelling to estimate a moderated model.FindingsAgility and robustness capabilities exert positive, statistically significant effects on SCRE. Structural complexity, however, weakens the benefits of robustness while amplifying the impact of risk management.Research limitations/implicationsThe research considered only one contextual factor, structural complexity, as a moderator. It was also conducted in a highly regulated environment, the public health sector, with data collected from only the buyer side. Future studies may validate the results in a more market-based environment, include other contextual factors such as dynamic complexity and collect data from a dyad. Longitudinal, multi-tier studies are, therefore, recommended to validate the causal mechanisms the study has identified.Practical implicationsManagers in a high-structural-complexity environment should not prioritise robustness as an essential resilience capability but should focus more on developing agility and risk management capabilities. Agility should be considered a core capability, which is immune to the effects of structural complexity.Originality/valueBy combining the contingency resource-based theory with complexity literature in an immunisation context, this paper offers strong insights into how specific dynamic capabilities interact with SC structure.

Dhadwal, Pankesh; Mukherjee, Sayantan; Sohani, Shrihari S.; Chandra, Saurabh

doi: 10.1108/ijlm-05-2025-0318pmid: N/A

Despite the rapid growth of India's logistics sector, the trucking sector has witnessed persistent driver shortages. This study examines the intrinsic factors that contribute to job disengagement among truck drivers. The study employs the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) framework and the dirty work theory to investigate how these factors influence retention and driver sustainability in the freight logistics industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a sequential qualitative analysis approach. In Phase 1, thematic analysis of 24 YouTube videos and vlogs was conducted to identify key occupational challenges. These insights informed Phase 2, which involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 25 truck drivers to ensure a deeper thematic understanding. Finally, field notes from fleet managers were used to incorporate an organizational perspective. NVivo software was used to facilitate coding and theme development.FindingsThe analysis sheds light on multiple factors contributing to disengagement and high turnover in the Indian trucking industry. This study uncovers a parallel causal process rooted in the “dirty work” concept, which serves as a psychosocial job demand, aggravating the turnover problem.Research limitations/implicationsThis study extends the JD-R framework by incorporating occupational stigma within the context of freight transportation. While the findings offer valuable insights into informal logistics sectors, caution must be exercised when generalizing these findings to other geographical or cultural contexts without considering the contextual uniqueness of India as a country.Practical implicationsOur study highlights the need for redesigning human-centric policies and practices to strengthen driver retention and operational continuity.Originality/valueThis study examines how the latent perception of dirty work, in conjunction with the JD-R framework, significantly contributes to job disengagement among Indian truckers. The study offers novel insights into workforce challenges in India's informal logistics industry.

El Gadrouri, Rachid; El Baz, Jamal; Arishi, Ali

doi: 10.1108/ijlm-06-2025-0390pmid: N/A

This study investigates a research model linking resource mobilisation (RM), management commitment to quality (MCQ), digital supply chain adoption (DSCA) and operational performance (OP) under the moderating role of digital maturity (DM).Design/methodology/approachData were gathered using an online questionnaire distributed to a sample of Moroccan manufacturing firms. A total of 130 valid questionnaires were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results indicate that RM influences MCQ significantly, which in turn affects DSCA, leading to a positive impact on OP. In addition, the findings reveal that DM lessens the strength of the relationship between DSCA and OP, suggesting that the more digitally mature the organisations the more the risk of rigidity integration with operational gains. These findings provide nuanced insights into the mechanisms and effects of DSCA.Originality/valueThis study contributes to literature on DSCA by testing a model that links digitalisation's resources, MCQ and DM. The findings offer actionable guidance for managers. They clarify the role of MCQ in achieving positive effects on DSCA and operational gains while also warning against the threats of rigidity stemming from DM.

Vlachos, Ilias

doi: 10.1108/ijlm-05-2025-0323pmid: N/A

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the limitations of traditional, inside-out (IO) supply chain resilience (SCRES) practices, such as stockpiling. Outside-in (OI) practices shape the external environment in which firms operate, yet they remain largely overlooked in the SCRES literature. Without examining both dimensions together, it remains unclear how firms can provide resilience responses. Integrating both perspectives requires rich, context-sensitive evidence. This study develops an integrated IO–OI SCRES framework to demonstrate how firms can simultaneously manage internal operations and influence external dependencies to enhance supply chain resilience.Design/methodology/approachThis study first develops an IO–OI SCRES framework by comparing and synthesising structural contingency theory and resource dependence theory. Then, an embedded case study of a Western firm with sites in Wuhan, Shenzhen and Hong Kong explores how these dual strategies are deployed in practice.FindingsA chronological and thematic analysis revealed key themes and SCRES practices. They include (1) Inside-Out (IO) practices: process and output control via process security, recovery and decentralisation and corporate culture; (2) Outside-In (OI) practices: control resource dependencies and empower supplier relationships, e.g. via supplier diversification, leading market position and hiring local talent and (3) IO–OI practices: contingency handling capability and contingency enactment. SCRES takes place in three stages: design, praxis and response.Originality/valueThis study develops and empirically validates an integrated IO–OI model of supply chain resilience, bridging structural contingency theory and resource dependence theory, which have largely been theorised separately and often positioned as competing explanations. Its unique empirical context, an embedded case study of a foreign firm operating in Wuhan, the pandemic's epicentre and a critical EU-China logistics hub, offers rare evidence for Western firms across global territories.