Supply chain redesign in the aquaculture supply chain: a longitudinal case study

Abstract

Companies aiming to upgrade their supply chains to meet operational and sustainability objectives are often required to redesign their supply networks. However, there is scarce empirical evidence on how to redesign existing supply chains, especially global supply chains. This longitudinal case study examined the aquaculture supply chain redesign process with the aim of improving market, operational, and sustainability performance. Aquaculture, although characterized as the blue revolution, has received little attention in management studies. Action research collected evidence via informal interviews, participant observation, on-site visits, and secondary data selection. The redesign process included three phases: (i) physical distribution network mapping, risk-uncertainty analysis, and hierarchical goal setting, (ii) implementation of physical network re-design, and (iii) performance monitoring, control, and continuous improvement. The company achieved significant lead time reduction and fast response to the markets while, at the same time, reducing environmental pollution and meeting sustainable targets. The study uncovers that supply chain redesign should not be limited to physical network restructuring but also include facilities value extension and integrated information management. It shows how companies can mitigate different types of risks (supply, production, logistics, demand) via specific supply chain redesign interventions.

Keywords:

• Global supply chain redesign
• sustainability
• efficiency
• aquaculture supply chain
• lead time

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ilias Vlachos

Dr. Ilias Vlachos is Professor in Supply Chain Management at Excelia Business School, France with previous positions in Leeds University Business School, Newcastle Business School, and Agricultural University of Athens, Greece. Ilias holds a Ph.D. from Cranfield University under full scholarship from Greek state. Ilias has extensive research and leadership experience including Scientific Responsible of competitive funded programmes, Research Degrees Director, and Chair of International Conferences. He is member of European Technology Platform ‘Food for Life’ (Sustainable Food Processing and Packaging), and the OECD- International Transport Forum (Resilience of Multi-modal Supply Chains).

George Malindretos

George Malindretos is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, Harokopio University of Athens, Greece, Dept. of Economics & Sustainable Development. He has participated in many international scientific conferences and awarded with the distinction of ‘best paper’ in a European Conference in Slovenia (MIC 2011). He has more than 19 years teaching experience and working experience as consultant and has published a number of scientific articles. In 2015 he co-edited the book ‘Markets, Business and Sustainability’, with the participation of distinguished academics from all over the world. Member of European Logistics Association, Cranfield Logistics Society (CLS), Euromed Research Business Institute, etc.