A case study evaluation of the factors affecting fresh produce traceability. (5th April 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manikas, Ioannis; Manos, Basil; Vlachopoulou, Maro; Manthou, Vassiliki
• Is Part Of: International journal of business innovation and research. Volume 4:Number 3(2010)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 255
• Publication Date: 2010-04-05
• Subjects: traceability -- fresh produce -- supply chain management -- SCM -- information systems -- agriculture -- food industry -- agri-foods -- vertical integration -- ephemeral dynamic collaboration -- information flow -- multi fragmentation -- personal relations -- suppliers -- customers -- e-communication -- electronic communication -- e-transactions -- electronic transactions -- online transactions -- non-systematic approaches; Management science -- Research -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Research -- Periodicals; 658.0072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-0252

Abstract

This paper examines the different approaches given in literature on the factors that influence the efficiency of traceability in the agri-food sector in a particular fresh produce supply chain. An empirical research was conducted, which enables a more descriptive and exploratory approach. The technique used in this research was semi-structured in depth interviews with key personnel from each firm. Lack of vertical integration is observed in the particular supply chain. Ephemeral dynamic collaborations prevail, not allowing information flow transparency. Multi fragmentation is evident in all levels of the supply chain. Most of the transactions are based on personal relations built with suppliers and customers, while e-communication and e-transactions act complementarily, if exist. This reveals a non-systematic approach towards essential supply chain activities such as information flow and traceability.