Who shares wins? Understanding barriers to information sharing in managing supply chain risk

Abstract

PurposeCurrently there is no universally accepted approach to supply chain risk management and assurance. To begin to shed more light on the practical operational challenges presented when considering supply chain risk mitigation through the sharing of information, this paper discusses the results of an empirical study conducted with manufacturing supply chain professionals. The study examines state-of-the-art challenges to managing risk in today's supply chains by reporting on data collected in 2021.Design/methodology/approachTo develop a rich picture of the challenges of information sharing in multi-tier supply chains, the authors adopted a qualitative research design. The authors conducted 14 interviews with supply chain professionals and ran two focus groups that were industry specific: one focused on the nuclear industry and the other on automotive.FindingsThe study identifies contemporary practical challenges to information sharing in supply chains – specifically challenges related to data quality and the acceptance of sub-optimal normative supply chain practices, which have consequences for supplier assurance fatigue and supply chain transparency.Originality/valueThe topical and contemporary study shows how an acceptance of the normative practices of a supply chain can have a cumulative effect on the likelihood of supply chain disruption due to shortcomings in approaches to information sharing. The notion of the acceptance of the status quo in this context has received limited research attention, and hence offers an extension to current discourse on supply chain risk and resilience.

Mitigating cybercrimes in an evolving organizational landscape

“…These integrations may lead to cybercrimes, threats, risks and vulnerability challenges in the event of an attack on one organization. Consequently, Hannibal et al (2022) highlight the lack of universally accepted supply chain risk management and suggest the need to understand barriers to information sharing in managing the risk (Hannibal et al, 2022). To meet the changing business requirements and improve organizational processes and overall business continuity, various organizations have integrated their operational technologies with other organizations, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and third-party vendors to improve business processes, increase production speed and reduce the cost of distribution (Yeboah-Ofori et al, 2019).…”

“…These integrations may lead to cybercrimes, threats, risks and vulnerability challenges in the event of an attack on one organization. Consequently, Hannibal et al . (2022) highlight the lack of universally accepted supply chain risk management and suggest the need to understand barriers to information sharing in managing the risk (Hannibal et al ., 2022).…”

“…Furthermore, the integrated and distributed nature of organizational Internet infrastructures with SMEs and third-party vendors has increased vulnerable spots and has led to experiences of various cyberattacks and cybercrime. Thus, considering a supply chain from risk mitigation through sharing information has become challenging (Hannibal et al ., 2022). Additionally, inherent complexities in web application design and conventional detection techniques are struggling (Razzaq et al ., 2014) due to the increased use of web applications, mobile devices and cloud computing by businesses, organizations and individuals are causing more threats, vulnerabilities and attacks to sensitive data such as identity theft, intellectual property theft and financial fraud.…”