The objectives of this paper are to review journal articles published between 2003 and 2015 related to supply chain risk sources, with a view to list and define supply chain risk sources identified by various researchers and critique the various supply chain risk classification schemes. For the purpose of this literature review, we adopted the methodology of a content analysis based literature review. Towards this end a conceptual risk classification framework was defined and supply chain risks identified by various researchers mapped into it. An analysis of the surveyed literature revealed the various supply chain risk sources and associated risks identified by the researchers. It is seen that while supply chain risk classification has been done by several researchers, it is not the main focus area of research for a majority of researchers but appears supplementary to other research goals. While the various supply chain risk classification schemes reviewed have sufficient breadth or depth to effectively address the diverse variety of supply chain risks, some important risk sources like product characteristics and returns processing have scope for further research. A new, comprehensive conceptual risk classification framework has been defined for the literature review. The review takes into account the current thinking on concept of risk and supply chain risks.

The paucity of studies in the field of supply chain management (SCM) focusing on repairing and maintenance operations within the services sector is an undeniable reality. It is important to explore how operations of maintenance and repair services (MRS) are nowadays structured and positioned to understand their contributions to SCM effectiveness. This research explored the integration level between internal functional areas of services organisations and principal business processes of suppliers and customers. The research also identified key barriers faced by SCM practitioners when deploying SCM best practices and models across the repair services providers. The primary data was collected from 89 SCM leaders and managers from organizations working in a Middle-Eastern country through the use of an online survey. The results revealed that there is a good level of internal integration between main business functional areas within MRS operations, e.g. material planning, purchasing, logistics, contracts, finance, and sales, with exception of reverse logistics, an important business function to the effective management of product services supply chain (PSSC). The study also revealed a partial level of external supply chain integration among local PSSCs participants, wherein only three SCM business processes; i.e. suppliers’ relationship management, order fulfilment, and service delivery management, are significantly integrated at interorganizational levels. Other crucial processes of SCM for PSSCs; customer relationship, services demand, services capacity, resources management, product and information flow management, and service product development, were all identified with a medium level of integration among local operations, which prevent local MRS organisation from generating additional values in terms of services and products quality improvement, product lifecycle management, and development of innovative services solutions to the market. The study also revealed that organizational cultures, resources availability, lack of vision and comprehension from top management, and absence of trust and collaboration within SCM participants are the main obstacles associated with the deployment of models and SCM best practices within repairing services operations.

The aim of this paper is to adopt the Markov analysis to forecast the operations competitive advantages of mobile phone service providers in Jordan. Three service providers were investigated. The secondary data of each service provider over the period (2005-2010) was used for the purpose of study. The Markov analysis was used to develop the series of forecasted competitive position index for each service provider, and then regression analysis was used to forecast the changes in operations competitive positions. The result showed that; the competitive position leader service provider which is Zain will be improved in term of network coverage, cost of calls services and network accessibility. But the follower (Orange) competitive position will be improved in term of cost of calls services, number of basic and entertainment services. The laggard (Umniah) competitive position will be deteriorated over time. This is the first study which adopts Markov analysis to forecast the operations competitive position. The managers of the corporations in Jordan have a clear insight about their future competitive position. The leader and follower can sustain their position, but the laggard should make further development in order to avoid the deterioration of its position. The scholar can benefit from the methodology of this paper to adopt Markov analysis to forecast the operations competitive position.

Today’s fast changing environment and increasing customers’ demands require that companies focus on efficiency along the entire supply chain. In order to achieve competitiveness, global sourcing is a common strategy. Especially sourcing from China is an accustomed practice and the topic of discussion by various academics and practitioners. Even though this topic is discussed extensively in literature, little focus is put on motivations, outcomes, problems and solutions when sourcing from China. The purpose of this study is to explore and analyze sourcing from China sourcing with regard to motivations, achieved outcomes, experienced problems as well as solutions to the problems. The results showed that it is crucial to recognize the importance of problems that can occur during global sourcing processes. As to achieve the desired outcomes, it is vital that companies address the problems by developing appropriate solutions. Motivations, outcomes, problems and solutions contain essential aspects that have to be considered and worked upon during a global sourcing process.

Previously various studies were conducted concerning the outsourcing and selection of 3PL in different countries but this study aims to find out the reasons of outsourcing and selecting a 3PL from the different industries of Pakistan. The study aimed to collect the data from the manufacturers working in different industries in Pakistan. The researchers have used mean testing to rank the factors as per their importance and the data of 125 respondents were gathered for analysis. Study has found that reduction in the logistics costs is the most important reason for outsourcing 3PL and service quality is the most crucial factor for the selection of any 3PL service providers in Pakistan. The research aims finding the factors for the reasons of outsourcing and selection of a 3PL but it would be useful finding the impact of outsourcing the logistics activities on the organization’s performance through qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research provides a vital and practical direction to the Pakistani organizations regarding the decisions of outsourcing and selecting a 3PL service providers. The research will help finding the reasons of outsourcing and selection of any 3PL party. The research aims finding the reasons and selection of 3PL in the organizational perspective of Pakistan as there are very limited past conducted studies.