CEF.UP – MaR Seminar/Webinar

Tuesday – April 2^nd , 2024 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Room 631 | Online

“Identifying Competitors in Geographical Markets Using the CSIS Method” (joint work with Xian Gu)

P. K. Kannan – Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland (United States of America)

Abstract:

“Identifying the most relevant competitors in a geographical market is an important and necessary requirement for businesses with a significant offline presence, such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. In particular, the specific location of a business and the geographical density of potential competitors can be critical factors in determining the competitive structure. However, this task can be quite difficult when the potential competitive set is large, and the competition is asymmetric. In this study, we apply the Conditional Sure Independence Screening (CSIS) method to a system of demand functions for competitor identification. This method offers significant computational efficiency because it estimates a marginal regression for each potential competitor instead of estimating a full model consisting of all potential competitors. To validate the effectiveness of our method and explore the boundary conditions of its performance, we conduct extensive simulation analyses under different spatial data generating processes. We show that our CSIS method’s performance is superior to multiple other variable selection approaches in identifying true competitors and is robust under spatial misspecifications. Then we apply our method to hotel competition in two U.S. geographical regions and show how the competitive structure varies across geographical densities and market segments. Finally, we highlight how managers can use the results strategically and outline the potential of the method for other non-geographical applications.”

CEF.UP – MaR Seminar/Webinar

Tuesday – April 9^th , 2024 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Room 631 | Online

“Influence of governance instruments on supply chain quality: a qualitative investigation in the dairy industry”

Márcio Cardoso Machado – Universidade Paulista (Brazil)

Abstract:

“Purpose– This paper aims to explore the formal (i.e. contracts, standards, processes, and structure) and informal (i.e. social structure, norms, information sharing, andvalue systemand culture) governance instruments used in supply networks and their influence on quality. Design/methodology/approach – This research is qualitative-exploratory in nature, involving semi structured interviews with 20 managers from three essential layers in the dairy industry’s supply chain: companies that supply essential inputs to milk producers; milk producers; and milk cooperatives. Findings – Analysis of the generated data show that formal governance instruments have a strong and/or weak influence on products’ and operations’ quality in the dairy industry context; in formal instruments have a strong and/or weak influence on quality, as a counterpart to formal instruments; and the integration of verified governance instruments positively influences the quality of products and operations. Practical implications –This paper offers several managerial and practical implications. The first is to encourage suppliers of primary inputs and milk producers to invest in the formal structure, primarily informal contracts with each other. The second implication suggests the relevance of creating different training and qualification courses with members fromal lorganizational levels. Third, there is a need for cooperatives, encompassing all industries, to consider several informal instruments, complementary to contracts and standards currently used for processes. Originality/value–Governance instruments can lead to desired supply chain outcomes, including those related to quality. Although previous supply chain studies have investigated the relationship between governance instruments and the supply chain, and quality management and the supply chain, studies on governance instruments’ influence on supply chain quality are limited.

CEF.UP – MaR Seminar/Webinar

Tuesday – April 23^rd , 2024 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Room 631 | Online

“Driving Supply Chain Sustainability: The Crucial Role of Optimization in Achieving Sustainable Practices”

Ana Paula Póvoa – Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa

Abstract:

“In today’s rapidly evolving scenery, the significance of sustainability has gained immense recognition, urging supply chains to embark on the journey towards building sustainable practices. Sustainable supply chains can be best described as complex networks of entities that oversee the management of products, encompassing suppliers, customers, and returns, while considering social, environmental, and economic objectives concurrently. However, the complexity of these systems poses a challenge in simultaneously addressing environmental and social goals alongside the traditional objective of profitability. To deal with these challenges, the development of decision-supporting tools for supply chain decision-makers is crucial. This talk focuses on the components of such tools, employing a systemic approach. Highlights the utilization of optimization-based models that effectively capture sustainability goals, considering the unique characteristics of supply chains. These tools enable the design and planning of sustainable supply chains, providing a solution that strikes a balance among economic, environmental, and social objectives. Furthermore, this talk identifies and discusses key perspectives and challenges associated with sustainable supply chains, which serve as catalysts for further research in the field. By delving into these aspects, we can foster a deeper understanding of the subject and inspire innovative approaches towards achieving sustainability within supply chains.”