Massey Documents by Type
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294
Browse
38 results
Search Results
Item A supplier development framework for agri-food value chains in developing countries : a test on a dairy value chain in Sri Lanka : a thesis with publication presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences, Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2025) DeSilva, LeezaAgri-food value chains (AVC) in developing countries, including dairy value chains (VC), face significant challenges. A key issue is farmers' limited capacity to improve their operational performance (e.g., product quality, delivery, and production efficiency) despite the support they may typically receive, which hinders the achievement of their triple-bottom-line (TBL) outcomes. In an AVC, farmers supply commodities that buyers (e.g., processors) purchase to add value. The concept of supplier development (SD) refers to a buyer taking an effort—strong or weak—to improve the capability and/or performance of their supplier. This makes SD (as understood in operations and supply chain management), an attractive proposition for predicting and explaining how farmer development initiatives by buyers can improve farmers' operational performance and their TBL outcomes. The objectives of the study were to: (i) study the dairy VC of Sri Lanka to understand how farmer development takes place through a milk processor; (ii) develop and test a theoretical model that predicts and explains the relationship between processor-led farmer development initiatives, farmer capability, processor-farmer relationship, and a farmer’s sustainable performance; (iii) analyze farmer heterogeneity to enable milk processors and other interested parties to better focus on farmer development initiatives; (iv) develop an index to measure the overall sustainable performance of dairy farmers and facilitate efficient, sustainability-focused development. The model developed through the literature posited that farmer development—farmer training (FT), financial support (FS), evaluation and feedback on farmer quality performance (EFFQP)—results in farmer TBL performance, through the mediation effects of farmer capability (FC) and processor-farmer relationship (PFR). Data collected from 324 Sri Lankan dairy farmers were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The heterogeneity analysis was conducted using cluster analysis, while the parameters of the sustainability index were estimated by fitting an index-creating model to the data. The findings supported the overarching hypothesis. FS as well as EFFQP were found to be having a more substantial positive impact on sustainable farmer performance than FT. Cluster analysis identified three distinct clusters—labeled as laggers, accelerators, and leaders—based on the cluster variables used. Laggers were found to be significantly underachieving in economic outcomes and FC, compared to accelerators. Notable differences in farmer and farm characteristics were identified across these clusters, and cluster-specific suggestions were provided to milk processors and policymakers to improve the FC and TBL outcomes of the farmers. The overall sustainability index, which considered farmer TBL outcomes and their enablers, suggested that all components and sub-components of the index are important (weight-wise) but farmer capability as a category commanded the highest weight (0.236) and farmer’s economic outcomes as a category commanded the lowest weights (0.170). The implications of these empirically generated weights were discussed and how the study contributes to new knowledge was argued.Item Developing a framework for prefabrication supply chain integration in New Zealand using blockchain technology : a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Construction Project Management, School of Built Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024) Bakhtiarizadeh, EhsanPrefabrication or off-site fabrication in New Zealand is snowballing in terms of its contribution to the delivery of construction projects. The increasing demand for new houses and the lack of affordable accommodations in New Zealand evolved the need for innovative and effective project delivery systems instead of conventional types. The prefabrication sub-sector is considered leverage for eliminating the shortcomings of traditional construction systems. However, this sub-sector of the construction industry struggles with challenges such as low coordination and integration across its supply chain partners. These challenges are attributed to the inefficient foundation of communication and information flow. This research addresses the problem of the relatively weak integration within New Zealand's prefabrication construction supply chain. The particular focus of the study is on information integration. The central point is that an effective and efficient exchange of information among supply chain stakeholders is imperative for enhancing supply chain integration in New Zealand's highly fragmented construction industry. Therefore, this study concludes that providing an effective information-integration-based platform for stakeholders involved in prefabrication projects will deliver integration improvement in the whole supply chain system. Blockchain technology, as a secure information integration instrument, capably improves the integration of information flow within the prefabrication sub-sector. Blockchain, a decentralised, safe, and unalterable information storage, offers numerous benefits to investors, clients, end-users, and other organisations or individuals. This technology, via its inherent features such as decentralisation, consensus mechanism, and immutability, supports organisations engaged in the supply chain with more transparent and trustful interactions and information flow. By adopting qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, this research provides insight into the applicability of blockchain technology within prefabrication construction supply chains. Minimum input requirements for blockchain according to types and patterns of information will be identified and categorised, and an applicable framework for using this new information integration technology will be proposed. Some key findings of this study are the identification and classification of (1) key stakeholders and recent project phases within the prefabrication supply chain, (2) flow of information across the stakeholders in different project phases, (3) important information attributes, (4) communication channels among stakeholders, and (4) impact of blockchain technology on facilitating information integration in the prefabrication construction industry of New Zealand. This research utilised pilot interviews, a questionnaire survey, a focus group study, and a validation survey to verify the objectives of the research and validate the proposed blockchain-based framework. The findings of this research could also be relevant to other industries facing similar challenges that rely heavily on information inputs. By identifying the importance of efficient information integration and the attributes crucial for successful project outcomes, stakeholders can prioritise investments in technologies like blockchain to streamline communication and data sharing across the supply chain. The identification of conventional communication modes like email, meetings, and internet-based applications in the prefabrication supply chain suggests a reliance on traditional methods for information exchange. However, the research underscores the importance of transparency, traceability, and reliability in communication, especially in the context of advanced information technology adoption. This implies a need for stakeholders to develop tailored communication strategies that leverage both conventional methods and emerging technologies to ensure effective collaboration throughout project phases. Finally, the development of a practical document management framework utilising blockchain technology presents opportunities for innovation and collaboration within the prefabrication industry. By demonstrating the applicability of blockchain in addressing document management challenges and validating the framework through expert feedback, the research paves the way for industry practitioners to adopt similar approaches in their projects. This suggests a broader trend towards embracing digital solutions and collaborative platforms to enhance information exchange, transparency, and project efficiency in the prefabrication sector.Item The relationship between lean and performance measurement in service and manufacturing organisations in New Zealand : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand(Massey University, 2024-08-20) Roos, Christina MariaThis thesis examines the relationship between lean and performance measurement systems (PMSs) in New Zealand private and public organisations. There is a dearth of research on lean and PMSs, despite the importance of understanding this relationship. To provide insights and an understanding of this relationship, this study identifies and examines lean techniques and the corresponding performance measures applied to measure lean performance. The research data were analysed using Searcy’s (2004) framework of lean performance dimensions and the findings were informed by contingency theory. The research conclusions were drawn from qualitative interpretations of the data through thematic analysis. The research findings show that lean is still in an emergent state in New Zealand and that managers associate lean with reducing waste to reduce costs, promote continuous improvement, improve quality, and deliver customer value. This differs from the global perspective of providing customer value through continuous improvement (Thornton et al., 2019; Albzeirat et al., 2018). The lean techniques implemented by the lean organisations reflect the managers’ association of lean with reducing cost and promoting continuous improvement, with a marginal focus on improving customer value. Organisations that successfully use lean techniques remain in a ‘black hole’ between measuring lean performance and the inclusion of lean performance dimensions in the PMS. Less than half of the organisations adapted their PMSs to include lean performance, nor did they implement specific lean KPIs to measure and evaluate lean performance. In those organisations where managers had identified, implemented, and used critical lean success factors, they had concurrently modified their PMS to include lean KPIs. Nonetheless, dollars saved are still recognised as the most important lean contribution, subsequently, once dollar-related goals were reached, organisations restored their traditional PMSs. As such, lean performance was neglected, and the existing lean practices were not associated with PMS. Ultimately, most organisations did not adapt their PMSs sufficiently to accommodate lean, and consequently, the organisations’ PMSs did not adequately capture lean outcomes. The implications for organisations and CEOs are that they need to shift focus from cost savings and profits to lean techniques and map the correct key performance indicators to the PMS to fully measure and evaluate lean outcomes.Item Supply chain integration in prefabricated residentialconstruction in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Construction at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2022) Sooriyamudalige, Nishadi AnuruddikaPrefabrication has long been reported as an effective alternative to conventional construction, with wide-ranging benefits. It serves as a valuable source of providing time, cost, quality, productivity, health and safety and environmental benefits to residential construction. Although prefabrication has gained much attention, the residential construction industry appears to be taking minimal advantage of prefabrication due to barriers associated with this methodology. Inefficiencies in the supply chain are one of the major issues that hinder the wider uptake of prefabrication in residential construction. However, there has been little research in the literature considering the supply chain and supply chain integration in prefabricated residential construction. Therefore, this research aims to improve supply chain integration in prefabricated residential construction. The objectives of the research include 1. review and analyse the nature of the processes and supply chain relationships of module and panel manufacturing in New Zealand residential construction; 2. identify the barriers to implementing effective supply chain practices in module and panel manufacturing in New Zealand residential construction; 3. identify the enablers for effective supply chain practices in module and panel manufacturing in New Zealand residential construction; 5. develop and validate a framework to measure and improve the current supply chain practices in module and panel manufacturing in the New Zealand housing sector. The research used a multi-tiered qualitative approach for data collection. Firstly, twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis. Based on the literature review and analysed data maturity model was developed. The developed model was validated through focus group interviews. After validation, three case studies were conducted to benchmark the supply chain integration based on the maturity model. Key findings emerged from the study: a standardised supply chain network for prefabricated residential construction and module and panel manufacturing was developed; 13 barriers (both internal and external) for supply chain integration in module and panel manufacturing were identified. Enablers (9 enablers) were identified to mitigate the barriers to supply chain integration in module and panel manufacturing; a maturity model was developed to improve supply chain integration continuously. The recommendation can improve the maturity model, widening the scope and applicability for future research. The content of this thesis is beneficial for prefabrication manufacturers to assess their supply chain practices throughout the performance improvement process, for the residential construction industry to encourage residential prefabrication manufacturers to adopt and improve supply chain practices, for government and interested organisations to encourage residential prefabrication manufacturers by implementing favourable regulations and policies relevant prefabrication residential construction. Keywords: Prefabrication; Residential construction; module and panel manufacturing; supply chain integration; maturityItem A Scholarly Review of Supply Chain Integration within the New Zealand Wool Industry(Operations and Engineering Innovation, Massey University, Manawatu Campus, Palmerston North, 2021-12) Bezuidenhout, Carel N.; Passos de Oliveira, Daniel; Black, Anthony; Murrell, Teresa; Dela Cruz, Chelsea; Vaghela, Bhavin; Kirk, Logan P.; Kathara, Rahul Dilip; Sun, NoahSupply Chain Integration is a vast field of study, and a Google Scholar search will reveal more than 2.7 million publications in this space. This document captures some of the core concepts when the degree of integration of a primary industry supply chain, such as the wool industry, is evaluated. The book was developed after final year students in Massey University’s Logistics and Supply Chain Management Programme conducted an in-depth review as part of a formal assessment. The content of the book is of a scholarly nature and caution should be practiced before any guidelines are implemented. The students studied the literature, reports, newspaper articles and accessed information on the internet. However, the most valuable source of information was through interviews with industry representatives, most noteworthy, an interactive question and answer session with wool exporter, Mr Ryan Cosgrove.Item Supply chain information visibility and its impact on decision-making : an integrated model in the pharmaceutical industry : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management at Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2021) Nguyen, Thi Thanh HoaSupply chain information visibility (SCIV) has been largely recognized as a key issue in pharmaceutical supply chain management. In recent years, there has been growing concern regarding the exponential growth and ubiquity of supply chain information as the result of the application of advanced technologies. Thus, the topic of visibility of information flow across a supply chain has attracted interest in both practice and academia. Despite the existence of considerable literature on SCIV, the concept is still under-theorized. The lack of a clear understanding of the characteristics of SCIV has made it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of SCIV and, consequently, hinders the improvement of SCIV (McIntire, 2014). Second, recent research identifies the potential of SCIV for operational performance through supporting managerial decision-making but also points out challenges and risks. In addition, there is a dearth of behavioral empirical research on supply chain management topics with which to achieve an increase in theory-building research in the field. This research addresses these gaps in the literature and investigates how SCIV across the pharmaceutical supply chain is perceived by pharmaceutical supply chain practitioners who are involved in supply chain decision-making, and how the decision-makers make use of SCIV in their supply chain decision-making process. This study adopted an exploratory, and qualitative approach to address two research questions: “How do supply chain professionals perceive SCIV in the pharmaceutical supply chain?” and “How do supply chain professionals make informed supply chain decisions?” The constructivist grounded theory methodology was used to guide the data gathering and analysis. The data were mainly drawn from semi-structured interviews with supply chain practitioners in New Zealand-based pharmaceutical firms, working at different levels of the supply chain, including manufacturers and distributors. Based on the findings a theoretical model was developed, the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Information-based Decision-Making Model. The model explains the behavioral supply chain decision-making process in the pharmaceutical supply chain, based on the existence of a given level of SCIV. The empirical findings suggest that SCIV is achieved both within and outside of the pharmaceutical firms and that human relational factors tend to be more beneficial than technological factors in developing SCIV. The importance of this finding is that it addresses a frequently asked question in recent literature about what constitutes SCIV and how to successfully build information visibility in a supply chain. Moreover, this research contributes to the behavioural supply chain management research literature by introducing a theoretical model of pharmaceutical supply chain information-based decision-making, which is grounded in the field data. The model offers significant theoretical insight into information-based decision-making in the pharmaceutical supply chain context based on empirical data, which has been largely overlooked in the supply chain management discipline. The empirical findings suggest that supply chain practitioners make information-based decisions in which they conduct an informative engaging mechanism with technological tools, with relevant stakeholders, and with themselves. Thus, the decision-making process involves extensive data analysis along with the crucial support of experience-based intuition and relevant stakeholders’ engagement. Another key contribution of this study is the identification of the constructive aspect of political behaviour in the supply chain decision-making process in which relevant stakeholders when invited to engage in the process tend to positively contribute and buy into the decision. Finally, this thesis provides significant practical implications and suggest directions for future research. Supply chain practitioners may benefit from the study by utilizing the study’s results to develop supply chain information visibility in their firms. In addition, the theoretical model of the information-based decision-making process explicates a useful step-by-step approach for supply chain practitioners to follow in making effective supply chain operational decisions. Recommendations for further research are provided, especially the recommendations for further studies that are crucially needed to assist firms to counter the pharmaceutical supply chain disruption risks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.Item A Scholarly Review of Supply Chain Integration within the New Zealand Blueberry Industry(School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Manawatu Campus, Palmerston North, 2020-12) Bezuidenhout, Carel N.; Martin, Mitchel R.; Williams, Alexander H.; Peiris, Avinash; Wood, Katherine I.A.; Zhang, Tianxin; Shea, Gabriella; Lavelua, T. David; Cosgrove, Megan J.N.; Forman, Jade S.; Paranjape, Mrunal; Kodikara, D.R. Thenuka; Dalglish, Perry; Weng, Lihong; Cosson, Isaac; Raza, Shakeela; Claydon, Jonathon E.D.; Kour, Harpreet; Kathara, Rahul Dilip; Carel N. Bezuidenhout, PhDEthics and credence attributes are the humanistic basis for establishing sustainable supply chain development. It determines brand reputation, ecology and customer experience. Furthermore, good ethics and credence Attributes promote the progress of industry leadership and increase the possibility of win-win strategies, especially in terms of negotiation. Negotiation is the premise of supply chain collaboration. The purpose of collaboration is to establish a synchronized supply chain to improve the ability of industry coordination. This is also the key to creating value, and the importance of risk management cannot be ignored. It is not only a guarantee for the smooth operation of the supply chain, but also an important measure to improve the flexibility of the supply chain. Finally, the results of supply chain integration need to rely on performance metrics and benchmarking to control and improve the overall performance of the supply chain. This publication evaluates modern theories in all these areas and contextualise it to the New Zealand blueberry industry. It is important that the reader appreciates the scholarly origin of this publication.Item Tailored supply chain architecture : a case evaluation of DWV³ clustering method : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Supply Chain Management, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand(Massey University, 2019) Babanov, OlegThe volatility of the global economy pushes transnational enterprises to look into new opportunities represented by areas in which they have not acted before. These international investments raise competition in all markets, regardless of their size, which requires companies to shift their focus towards customer needs. These days efficiency and effectiveness are not mutually exclusive supply chain concepts, but aspects whose synergy acts as a powerful tool that develops competitive advantages and assists in reaching an ultimate goal. Fast response to market needs and operational efficiency are vital attributes required to be incorporated in the design of a robust and competitive supply chain. The complexity of modern supply chains requires various strategies to be tailored to multiple pipelines (“one size does not fit all”). The objective of this research is to offer a framework aimed at the design of a market-focused supply chain that is able to embrace building blocks, design decisions and influencers on different levels. The proposed three-step approach allows researchers to study the effects of market-specific factors on the design of supply chain channels without higher level decisions being obstructed by lower level influencers. The proposed design approach provides supply chain decision-makers with a methodology that presents an analysis of strategic and operational level supply chain activities where strategic, linear network optimisation is followed by a detailed simulation of supply chain processes. The integration of the DWV3 analytical tool provides an opportunity to tailor multiple supply chain pipelines in accordance with specific market needs. The findings of the research can be employed by experts and supply chain professionals aimed at gaining competitive advantage through the building of market-oriented supply chain channels.Item Linking smallholder producers to high-value markets through producer cooperatives : a case study of vegetable producer cooperatives in Cambodia : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of AgriCommerce at Massey University, School of Agriculture and Environment, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2019) Tray, BunthanThe emergence of supermarkets and high-value markets (HVMs) in developing countries has implications for producers and whole agri-food markets. To bring benefits of this development to smallholder producers, governments and development agencies have paid great attention to the essential roles of producer cooperatives (PCs). Many studies show that PCs succeeded in linking producers to HVMs, but numerous cases indicated that PCs did not achieve their goal. Modern retail markets and supermarkets have grown in Cambodia, but vegetable growers were unlikely to gain benefits from this HVMs. PCs play critical roles in assisting smallholder producers in strengthening market competition, but only a very few PCs achieved their business goals. The purpose of this research is 1) to examine the role of producer cooperatives (PCs) in linking vegetable producers to (HVMs) and 2) analyse the factors affecting successful participation in (HVMs). This study applied mixed research methods by integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine vegetable value chains, the roles of PCs, and factor affecting smallholder producers’ participation in HVMs. With this study, the primary data was collected by using a face-to-face interview with PCs’ managers and a survey interview with PCs’ members. This study used Qualitative Data Analysis, descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, chi-square test, and independent samples T-Test to address research objectives. The research indicated that the vegetable value chain in Cambodia consisted of two main marketing channels, such as traditional markets (TMs) and high-value markets (HVMs). The value chain of TMs was long and complicated with a number of chain actors, while the value chain of HVMs was short and high integration of the intermediaries. The research suggested that the value chain of HVMs provided a better price for producers, but volume supplied to supermarkets remains relatively small. In terms of the roles of PCs, all selected PCs provided agricultural input support, financial support, extension services, and market support to their members. However, PC-HVMs focused on both production and markets, while PC-TMs paid great attention to production. Based on these results, governments, and development agencies, and PCs should assist producers in both production technologies and business skills. The study examined factors that influenced smallholder producer groups’ participation in HVMs. The results indicate that the majority of respondents considered external factors, such as political, economic, social, environmental, and technological factors, as important factors affecting their participation in HVMs. This study suggested that wide ranges of supports provided to producers may help them to participate in HVMs. However, there is a need for favourite supporting policies and a macroeconomic environment from the government in the country. These could open up broader market opportunities for smallholder vegetable producers. The binary logistic regression results indicate that some internal factors, such as a vegetable farming experience, volume of vegetables, and average vegetable prices had a statistical significance with a positive sign. However, a vegetable farm size showed a negative sign.Item Upgrading options for Myanmar fresh ginger value chains : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of AgriCommerce, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Manawatu Campus, New Zealand(Massey University, 2019) Phoo, PhooThe agriculture sector plays a significant role in the economy of Myanmar and contributes 32% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The current extent of the agriculture area in Myanmar is approximately 12 million hectares, occupying 18% of total cultivated land resources. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) is one of the export crops in Myanmar with the annual production volume of 66,085 tons from an approximate cultivation area of 4,985 hectares. It is grown by smallholder farmers and offers major economic opportunity for more than 6,000 households in the Southern Shan State of Myanmar. Myanmar ginger production is only 3% of the total world ginger production. Although world demand for ginger is growing, exports from Myanmar are declining with 60 % of production has to be exported to low price regional markets with unstable demand and volatile prices. Hence, Myanmar needs to find out how to upgrade the fresh ginger value chains to export to high price markets such as the USA and the EU. This current study aims for a better understanding of the existing Myanmar fresh ginger value chain from production to end markets in overseas. Therefore, the present study investigated the constraints and opportunities of current Myanmar fresh ginger value chains along with identifying the upgrading options. Data from primary and secondary sources were used in this study by using a qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, mailed questionnaires and document collection methods. Being a non-priority crop in Myanmar, the ginger sector has been paid little attention by the Government and hence, very limited research and development on the Myanmar ginger sector has been conducted. In order to export fresh ginger to high price markets, Global-GAP or organic certificates are required. The major constraints faced by the ginger value chain actors for achieving those certificates are found to be the long-term use of chemical herbicides and lack of technical awareness of integrated pests and disease management protocol. Apart from that, the present status of harvesting and post-harvest handling practices is also a constraint for achieving those certificates. An unreliable export market, high price volatility and cashflow constraints are major limitations faced by the value chain actors. Exchange rate volatility is a key constraint faced by exporters. Cold chain facilities and limited access to international banks, are both major issues for exporting Myanmar fresh ginger to high price markets. Introduction of appropriate financial market based instruments to overcome cashflow constraints would encourage farmers to adopt better production practices and timing of harvest. Additionally, the government participation in multi-disciplinary research, along with NGO support in the ginger sector, is found to be essential for upgrading the fresh ginger value chain in Myanmar. Increased collaboration between the public and private sectors, such as improvement of logistic facilities in the country, is recommended to improve the Myanmar fresh ginger sector. Such collaboration should assist in the aim for effective exports to the high price and reliable markets in the near future.