Theoretical framework of agricultural precision management based on the smart supply chain: evidence from China

Abstract

Agricultural precision management (APM) is based on the smart supply chain (SSC) and uses relevant smart technologies to realise the smart operation of the entire life cycle of agricultural products. However, theoretical frameworks for APM to guide its practice are lacking. This study adopts the inductive multi-case study method, taking four agricultural companies from China as the research object to investigate the current situation of APM based on SSC. Through interviews and critical analysis, this study proposes a theoretical framework for APM. First, we obtain the factors influencing APM capabilities based on SSC. Second, the relationship between APM capabilities and performance is expounded. Finally, we analyse the role of agricultural policies and the rapid response of agricultural supply chains as moderators. This study provides a new theoretical reference for APM research and an important management perspective for related companies to implement APM.

Keywords:

• Smart supply chain
• agricultural precision management
• precision management capability
• performance
• inductive multi-case study

Acknowledgement

This research was funded by Major Program of the National Social Science Foundation of China (grant number No. 18ZDA060). The reviewers’ comments are also highly appreciated.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Weihua Liu

Dr. Weihua Liu is Professor of Department of logistics and supply chain management, College of management and economics, Tianjin University, China. He obtained his Doctor degree from Shanghai Jiaotong University majoring in Enterprise Management in 2007. He specialises in logistics enterprise development and management and has published more than 80 SCI/SSCI indexed papers including European Journal of Operational Research, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, International Journal of Production Economics, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Transportation Research Part E, International Journal of Production Research, Annals of Operations Research, Production Planning & Control, Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, Industrial Marketing Management, etc.

Shuang Wei

Shuang Wei is a Ph.D student majored in management science and engineering at Tianjin University in China. She received her master’s degree in management at Hebei University of Technology. Her current research interests are in the areas of digital supply chain and technological innovation. She has published her research in Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Industrial Management & Data Systems, International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications and others.

Siyu Wang

Siyu Wang is a master student majored in logistics engineering at Tianjin University in China. She received her bachelor’s degree in engineering at North China University of Science and Technology. Her current research interests are in the areas of smart logistics and smart supply chain innovation. She has published her research in Annals of Operations Research, Journal of Cleaner Production and others.

Ming K. Lim

Prof Ming K. Lim obtained his PhD in Manufacturing Systems from University of Exeter (UK) and B.Eng (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering from University of Liverpool (UK). He is currently Professor of Supply Chain Management and Digitalisation at Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow (UK). Prof Lim’s research is multi-disciplinary, integrating engineering, computer science, information technology and operations management. Most of his recent research work revolved around Industry 4.0, Internet of Things, Blockchain, cloud manufacturing and big data analysis. His other research expertise includes circular economy, sharing economy, sustainable supply chain management, green/low carbon logistics, and lean & agile manufacturing, meta-heuristics, cost & system optimisation. Prof Lim is Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications and has published over 190 paper in leading journals, such as European J. of Operational Research, Int. J. of Operations & Production Management, Int. J. of Production Economics, Omega, Transportation Research, Computers & Industrial Engineering, J. of the Operational Research Society, Annals of Operations Research, Int. J. of Production Research, Production Planning and Control, Expert Systems with Applications, Resources, Conservation & Recycling, and Industrial Management & Data System.