List of Forthcoming Journals

Abstract:
This study assesses the institutionalization of sustainable procurement (SP) practices in South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs), evaluating their alignment with economic, social, and environmental sustainability objectives. It further explores the challenges hindering SP implementation and the variations in adoption across Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 SOEs. We employed a mixed-methods approach based on semi-structured interviews with 51 procurement professionals across 26 SOEs. The quantitative data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques in SPSS while the open data using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that economic sustainability receives the highest emphasis, social sustainability is moderately integrated, and environmental sustainability is the weakest. Notably, Schedule 3 SOEs demonstrate greater adherence to government-mandated sustainability policies, while Schedule 2 SOEs prioritize financial autonomy and cost-driven procurement strategies. Governance issues, corruption, and lack of SP training further impede comprehensive sustainability adoption. This study advances the empirical understanding of SP practices in SOEs within a developing economy. It also provides practical recommendations for government policymakers, SOE leadership, and procurement professionals, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive national SP framework, regulatory enforcement, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance SP integration.

Abstract:
This study aims to systematically review the attributes of Agri-food Supply Chain Performance Evaluation Methodologies (ASCPEMs). To accomplish this, we employed a systematic literature review methodology, focusing on peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2007 and June 2023. By examining 123 papers, we observed a growing number of publications on ASCPEMs. A similarity analysis enabled the identification of common characteristics among the methods studied, including the agrifood supply chain processes analyzed, evaluation objectives, aspects assessed, application cases, analysis methods, information sources, and data collection techniques. These characteristics outline prevailing trends in food supply performance. The findings elaborate on these trends for each characteristic, supported by reference examples. This review, the first of its kind to characterize ASCPEMs, also identifies future research directions and emerging gaps in information management technology. Among the findings, it was noted that information and Industry 4.0 technologies are sparingly utilized, and data collection methods are predominantly manual, resulting in delays in performance analysis.

Abstract:
This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of logistics performance research from 2003 to 2022, utilizing R Studio, Biblioshiny, and VOSviewer. Unlike previous literature, this review maps the intellectual structure and thoroughly examines the field's evolution. The findings reveal sustained growth in scholarly output, with China and the United States identified as the most productive and influential contributors. Notably, several developing countries, including Malaysia, Turkey, and India, also emerge as prominent contributors. Bibliographic coupling analysis identified six primary research clusters: operational optimization, strategic management, sustainable logistics, reverse logistics, economic perspectives, and industrial/organizational frontiers. The study offers several key contributions: it provides a structural overview of leading publications, authors, and collaborative networks; identifies the most salient emerging research paths; and employs mapping techniques—including tree, thematic, and conceptual maps—to delineate the field's development. These findings serve as a strategic guide for researchers and policymakers to identify foundational knowledge and future research directions.

Abstract:
The rapid expansion of the e-commerce industry in Malaysia has led to a significant increase in packaging usage, particularly plastic, which contributes to growing environmental concerns. Although sustainable packaging alternatives are available and consumer awareness regarding environmental protection is on the rise, a notable gap exists between consumers’ awareness and their actual purchasing behavior regarding products with sustainable packaging. This study aims to identify and analyze the key factors influencing the intention to purchase products with sustainable packaging in the context of e-commerce. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research investigates the role of customer perception, government initiatives, subjective norms, willingness to pay, and environmental awareness. A quantitative research approach was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 384 respondents. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicate that customer perception, government role, willingness to pay, and environmental awareness significantly influence consumer purchase intention. However, subjective norms do not exhibit a significant effect. These findings provide essential insights for e-commerce businesses and policymakers aiming to encourage sustainable consumption behavior and implement effective strategies for environmental sustainability. By leveraging these insights, stronger collaboration between businesses, packaging manufacturers, and policymakers can accelerate the transition toward sustainable packaging. This, in turn, will help reduce plastic waste, benefiting both the environment and economy.

Abstract:
In the era of digital transformation, blockchain-based collaborative logistics platforms initially emerged as promising solutions to streamline inter-organizational exchanges. However, several major initiatives have recently faced critical crises, exposing the vulnerabilities of their business models. Addressing this issue, this study explores the factors that led to the collapse of TradeLens, a flagship platform developed by Maersk and IBM. Using stakeholder theory as an analytical framework, the study adopts a qualitative single-case study approach, combining ten semi-structured interviews with industry experts and an in-depth analysis of secondary sources. Thematic analysis reveals five critical dynamics: initial governance imbalances, asymmetric value capture, heightened coopetitive tensions, institutional rigidity, and a cumulative dynamic leading to crisis. The findings enhance the understanding of failures in collaborative blockchain ecosystems, highlighting the need for inclusive governance, equitable value creation, and strong institutional adaptability. From a managerial perspective, the research offers concrete recommendations for the sustainable design of blockchain logistics platforms. It also opens avenues for future research on adaptive governance and stakeholder salience dynamics in distributed digital environments.

Abstract:
Counterfeiting has become a significant global issue, raising concerns among stakeholders in supply chains. Counterfeit products often contain substandard or hazardous components, posing significant health risks, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. They may lead to consumer illness or even death, while also causing substantial revenue losses for businesses, disrupting legitimate supply chains, damaging brand reputation, and weakening consumer confidence. Counterfeit goods are often manufactured in unregulated settings that disregard environmental standards, resulting in the use of toxic materials, improper waste disposal, and increased pollution. Therefore, preventing counterfeit goods is crucial to ensuring the economic benefits of all stakeholders and promoting the sustainable development of the supply chain. Blockchain Technology (BT) is a revolutionary technology that offers several unique characteristics for combating counterfeiting. Nevertheless, BT deployment currently remains in the experimental stage, especially for anti-counterfeiting purposes. This study examines the barriers that hinder the adoption of BT-based solutions. This is the first study to conduct interviews with academic and industry experts to look into the key barriers to deploying BT-based anti-counterfeiting solutions. This study utilized key barriers identified in previous studies, including technological, organizational, and environmental barriers, to establish a foundation for interview questions. Semi-structured questions will be selected to obtain expert opinions and viewpoints on the significant challenges in Vietnam. As a result, this study indicated that deployment cost is the most significant technological barrier. A lack of competence and skills is a significant organizational barrier, whereas the absence of a defined legal framework is the most significant environmental barrier. This study not only validates the existing challenges in general blockchain applications but also identifies and highlights unique obstacles specific to implementing blockchain in anti-counterfeiting contexts, such as transaction speed, limited customer awareness, a shortage of trustworthy service providers, and inadequate national infrastructure. This study will provide practical strategies for addressing these barriers and motivating supply chain stakeholders to adopt BT-powered solutions.

Abstract:
Indonesia’s shift from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to city gas represents a vital move toward cleaner energy and long-term fiscal health, yet faces obstacles such as disjointed policies, limited infrastructure, and persistent user habits. This study adopts a qualitative system dynamics method to build a comprehensive view of the transition through a validated Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) encompassing three key areas: subsidy policy, consumer behavior, and infrastructure development. The CLD on subsidies shows that price incentives alone are ineffective without synchronized infrastructure readiness and well-timed policies. The consumer behavior CLD underscores the role of service quality, reliability, and satisfaction in maintaining adoption. Meanwhile, the system growth CLD identifies technical, regulatory, and financial factors that influence the speed and fairness of infrastructure development. A combined CLD demonstrates how these areas interact—revealing, for instance, how pricing strategies impact user trust and behavior, or how satisfaction drives future demand. These findings highlight the need for integrated, rather than piecemeal, policy actions. The study proposes phased reforms in subsidies aligned with infrastructure rollout, improved residential access, and strategic public funding to accelerate city gas adoption. Although qualitative, the model offers a strong base for future simulations, policy experimentation, and deeper exploration of behavioral and institutional dynamics in Indonesia’s energy shift.