Reverse logistics in the pharmaceuticals industry: a systemic analysis

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a systemic analysis of the complex interaction of factors affecting the reverse logistics (RL) processes in a pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC). Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a systems thinking approach. Initial problem structuring involved the analysis of behavior-over-time of main variables and incorporated stakeholder analysis. Further, a participative group model building process was used to develop a systems model. Findings – The model was analysed to identify a set of feedback loops operating in the system responsible for the complexities of the problem. To address this, the stakeholders identified three strategic interventions. The first intervention relates to returns avoidance by alleviating market flooding of medicines, second intervention aims at improving the infrastructure for quality and performance management and the third targets balanced risk sharing between the main stakeholders involved in the supply chain. The findings suggest strong linkage between RL network design and key activities in returns management. The study lays a platform for developing a simulation model. Research limitations/implications – Data collection was confined to stakeholders belonging to a PSC based in the South Indian state of Kerala and excluded the participation of doctors due to practical constraints. The application of systems thinking and modelling was limited to the qualitative phases of the methodology. Practical implications – The study illustrates a participative process capable of revealing the differing viewpoints of multiple stakeholders involved in a PSC. Originality/value – It provides a holistic approach based on the systems thinking and modelling methodology for analysing the complexities related to RL in the Indian pharmaceutical industry.

Stakeholder integration in new product development: a systematic analysis of drivers and firm capabilities

“…A more specific approach to stakeholder analysis is proposed by Elias et al () and includes, among other phases, mapping general stakeholder groups and specific stakeholders within them, understanding their stakes and power, and considering the dynamic stakeholder salience throughout a project. These steps have been successfully implemented in healthcare contexts with complex stakeholder maps (Narayana et al, ) and can be applied to NPD as a basis for developing stakeholder identification capabilities.…”

Factors impacting technology adoption in hospital bed logistics

“…E.g. Spens and Bask (2002) expand a SCM framework by applying the framework to a blood transfusion supply chain and Narayana et al (2014) investigate the factors impacting the reverse pharmaceutical supply chain.…”

Reverse and Inverse Logistic Models for Solid Waste Management

“…Enhancement of performance of IL networks for product returns during their life cycle [81]. DEMATEL Systemic analysis of complex interaction of factors affecting IL in the pharmaceutical supply chain [82].…”