This issue contains four papers which contribute to the existing literature on supply chain and related areas by presenting new framework/models and testing them empirically.

The first paper, “Developing a Framework for Analyzing Global Supply Chain Security”, by Satyendra Kumar Sharma and Bang Siddharth Vasant, analyzes the global supply chain security in a comprehensive way, including all the factors—the need for supply chain security, the measures that can be taken, the barriers to implementation and outcomes. A framework is presented explaining global supply chain security from all angles. The framework consists of elements like drivers, strategies, barriers and outcomes. The paper gives insights into the various strategies practiced by supply chain entities within the domains of governmental responsibilities, organizational adaptation, establishing business-to-business relationships and critical application of electronic infrastructure towards the effect of securing the supply chain. The framework given in the paper can help practitioners and researchers in getting an overall understanding of supply chain security at a comprehensive level.

The second paper, “The Influence of Variables on Designing a Cloud Supply Chain Network: A Factor Analysis Approach”, by Anil B Gowda and K N Subramanya, analyzes the benefits of cloud along with certain objectives focused on cloud services that would help in designing a better cloud Supply Chain Network. The authors have analyzed how computing can overcome the shortcomings of technology in the field of supply chain management and observed that scalability and expansion of IT resources through cloud services can help in maintaining centralized information related to supply chain which can rapidly be made available when demanded. The authors have suggested that benefits achieved through the integration of cloud with the supply chain can be evaluated and assessed in terms of their relative importance. The authors have also suggested that the knowledge of benefits offered by the cloud is useful in deciding the priorities with regard to make or buy decision. The authors have grouped the benefits into different factors and suggested that these factors will be useful in deciding the relative preference of one benefit over the other depending on the application. Such factors will enable the information and data structure of the supply chain network to perform more efficiently.

The third paper, “Improving Alliances: Insights from the Practices of Successful Companies”, by Jesus Morcillo, Angel Díaz and Luis Solís, undertakes a thorough review of literature and case analysis to explore the key success factors in the formation of alliances. Its contribution rests on the identification of practical insights, namely, formal processes of alliance management, formal mechanisms of alliance learning, teams responsible for the life cycle of the alliance and existence of an empowered alliance office. The findings of the study suggest that supporting suppliers in the alliances can be a cost-effective way to improve internal performance.

The last paper, “Market Inclusion Through Enhanced Eco-Management in Bulgarian Farms”, by Hrabrin Bachev, presents the findings of a first large-scale study on state, driving forces and efficiency of market inclusion of farms through enhanced eco-management in Bulgaria. This paper identifies diverse forms of eco-management in farms with different sizes, market orientation, product specialization and location. It assesses the costs, effects, and efficiency of eco-management including the extent it contributes to increased market inclusion of farms. It also specifies critical personal, economic, contractual and institutional factors of managerial choice in the eco-active farms. Finally, this paper estimates perspectives of expansion of this particular mode of market inclusion and suggests directions for improving public policies and business strategies of stakeholders.

--Nikhat Afshan
Consulting Editor