International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management

This paper aims to deepen the understanding of robust food supply chains (FSC) in SMEs by exploring and analyzing the literature through the lenses of digital technologies. The study collected data from Scopus spanning from 2010 to 2024, employing selected keywords, and processed it using VOS-viewer and Biblioshiny to derive valid inferences and theoretical arguments. The review paper identified several key themes shaping the future of supply chain management – Sustainability in SCM, Industry 4.0, Digitalization with FSCM, Circular Economy, Food Waste with Supply Chain, Food Security and Climate Change. These themes collectively bring transformative opportunities for both the adoption of digital technologies and sustainable practices in food supply chains. The review found limitations are rooted in financial constraints, institutional barriers and expertise-related challenges encountered within the realm of Digitalization and FSC. Government and corporate houses should focus on these limitations as well as convert them to strengthen the SMEs of FSC. The study stands out as a pioneering review that not only explores Digitalization in FSC but also explores the link and evidence of SMEs in the unorganized sector, providing unique insights into a previously underexplored area.

This study aims to address challenges related to long lead time within a hazelnut company, primarily attributed to product quality issues. The purpose is to propose an integrated lean-based methodology incorporating a continuous improvement cycle, drawing on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Industry 4.0 applications. The research adopts a systematic approach, commencing with a current state analysis using VSM and fishbone analysis to identify underlying problems causing long lead time. A Pareto analysis categorizes these problems, distinguishing between supplier-related issues and deficiencies in lean applications. Lean tools are initially implemented, followed by a future state VSM. Supplier-related issues are then addressed, employing root cause analyses and Industry 4.0-based countermeasures, including a proposed supplier selection model. The study reveals that, despite initial lean implementations, lead times remain high. Addressing supplier-related issues, particularly through the proposed supplier selection model, significantly reduces the number of suppliers and contributes to lead time reduction. Industry 4.0-based countermeasures ensure traceability and strengthen supplier relationships. This research introduces a comprehensive LSS methodology, practically demonstrating the application of various tools and providing managerial insights for practitioners and policymakers. The study contributes theoretically by addressing challenges comprehensively, practically by showcasing tool applications and managerially by offering guidance for system performance enhancement.

The purpose of this study is to explore the opportunities provided by information technologies (IT) to improve supply chain processes. It aims to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify research areas that require further exploration to leverage IT and enhance supply chain performance. This study employs a systematic literature review methodology to analyse a set of 177 publications, including journal papers, conference papers, periodicals, theses, and books published between 2013 and 2023. Thematic synthesis was chosen as the most appropriate approach to amalgamate the findings obtained from the systematic literature review conducted in the study. This method involves interpreting thematic information and facilitating the development of a comprehensive understanding of the literature being reviewed. The literature review reveals that certain information technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain, information and communications technology (ICT) and information sharing, offer significant potential for improving supply chain processes. However, the application of these technologies in the field of supply chain is currently under-researched. The findings highlight the need for further exploration of these technologies and their impact on supply chain redesign and enhancement. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a systematic overview of the potential benefits of IT in the context of supply chains. It emphasises the under-researched nature of specific technologies and their potential to support organisations in improving their supply chain processes. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of relevant literature and its identification of research gaps that need to be addressed in future studies.

This study aims to find the main contributions from lean office (LO) that can be applied to the project management field, correlating these two areas toward an improvement in project management performance. This paper uses a systematic literature review as a methodological approach to find the main potential contributions from LO that can be applied to project management. This study has selected the 13 most cited potential contributions from LO and its level of occurrence in a systematic literature review (SLR). This study explores theoretical aspects of LO benefits on project management, and further empirical studies are needed to determine the risks and benefits of the concept listed here. The practical implications are that the most cited potential contribution from LO to the project management and those can be used as a guidance for project managers. This article highlights the potential contributions from LO to project management field, which is novelty in the face of the existent literature.

The paper aims to enhance the understanding of robust food supply chains (FSC) by exploring the capabilities of various digital technologies and examining their interactions. This study finding shows that digital technology enhances the resilience of the FSC by improving visibility, traceability and adaptability. This resilience provides a competitive advantage, ultimately enhancing the overall business performance. In developing countries, inadequate infrastructure, poor Internet connectivity and diverse stakeholder systems pose challenges to implementing advanced digital solutions in the FSC. This paper is among the first to investigate the impact of digital technology on FSC resilience, exploring visibility, flexibility and collaboration.