American Journal of Supply Chain Management

A Paradigm Shift in Outsourcing Functions to External Service Providers in the Public Sector: A Liability for the State

Normah Fadzai Mutongerwa, Zimkhitha Final Juqu, Hlalele Matebese — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: This study aims to explore the current trends in public service delivery, focusing on the increasing use of outsourcing to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The study examines the paradigm shift in outsourcing functions to external service providers in the public sector and its potential liability for the State. The research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the various aspects of outsourcing in the public sector and its impact on the State’s liability.

Materials and Methods: The current research study has adopted a qualitative secondary data collection methodology to achieve its research objectives. This method was deemed suitable for the study as it has the potential to provide comprehensive, in-depth insights that are essential for attaining the study’s purpose. The study aims to systematically and rigorously examine the research variables and their interrelations by utilizing secondary collected data. This approach aided in generating valuable insights that are crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under investigation.

Findings: Key findings of the study include: Management is negligent in the appointment of external service providers owing to the tendency for public organizations to outsource services that can be performed internally, leading to excessive spending for the government; State employees are privileged and given the autonomy to transfer their responsibilities to service providers, without the government’s expenses proper considerations; Outsourcing potentially leads to the redundancy of experienced and competent workforce, and Governments pay for the same service twice arising from outsourcing.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study offers a detailed and practical framework for public organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions about outsourcing. The framework effectively addresses the various challenges and risks associated with outsourcing, providing a viable solution to mitigate them while saving costs and jobs. This approach can help organizations improve their outsourcing practices and contribute to better service delivery to the public. The study offers a detailed and practical framework for public organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions about outsourcing

A Consideration of Whole-Life Carbon Emissions by Indiana Manufacturers in Efforts to Gauge Lifecycle Sustainability Records in the Multinational Automobile Industry

James Tanoos — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The Ricardo Report (2020) recommends a holistic analysis of the effects of the global auto industry on sustainability by assessing the impacts of automobiles on the environment throughout their lifecycle. Much of the literature on sustainability in the transportation sector focuses on vehicle exhaust emissions and their contribution to urban smog, and there has been little consideration of emissions produced during the automobile manufacturing process itself.

Materials and Methods: This study builds on the lifecycle emissions approach recommended by the Ricardo Report. Specifically, data on the pounds of pollution emitted was collected from the Toxic Release Inventory report of major multinational automobile producers and analyzed via piecewise linear regression analyses to provide insight about the pollution emitted during a vehicle’s production.

Findings: The findings in this study will fill a gap in Ricardo’s “birth to grave” proposal to quantify whole-life carbon emissions in the automobile sector.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: As sustainability efforts within the automotive market continues to evolve, it is important to analyze automobile whole-life carbon emissions rather than just what is emitted from the tailpipe, and this study fills a gap in the Ricardo Report by providing data related to the rates of pollution emitted during the manufacture of vehicles at multinational automobile factories in America.

Relationship between Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Practices and Supply Chain Resilience

Neke Obinna — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between supplier relationship management (SRM) practices and supply chain resilience.

Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.

Findings: The relationship between Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices and supply chain resilience has been extensively explored, revealing critical insights. SRM practices, encompassing strategic partnerships, collaboration, and communication with suppliers, are integral to enhancing supply chain resilience. Research indicates that effective SRM fosters trust, transparency, and information sharing among supply chain partners, enabling timely responses to disruptions. Moreover, robust

SRM practices contribute to supplier diversification, redundancy, and flexibility, which are essential elements of resilient supply chains. By prioritizing long-term relationships and mutual value creation, organizations can leverage SRM to mitigate risks and enhance the agility and adaptability of their supply networks.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource dependence theory, transaction cost economics, social exchange theory may be use to anchor future studies on assessing the relationship between supplier relationship management (SRM) practices and supply chain resilience. Develop guidelines and best practices for implementing effective SRM strategies aimed at enhancing supply chain resilience. Advocate for policies that promote transparency, fairness, and ethical practices in supplier relationships, as these factors can contribute to trust-building and collaboration essential for resilience.