An evaluation of the information sharing practices for supply chain traceability in the Nigerian food and beverage industry

Osa Victor Ogunmu, Adebisi Adewole

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the information sharing practices and the nature of buyer-supplier relationships in the supply chains of selected food and beverages manufacturers operating in Nigeria. Drawing upon the coordination theory and the resource dependency theory, the purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of the influence of these constructs on the capability of the Nigerian food and beverage manufacturers to trace materials and products along their supply chains. This is against the backdrop of the peculiarities of the unstructured food supply chain environment, poor or lack of adequate regulatory standards and the economic challenges facing the developing countries in Africa, particularly, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative strategy through the case study of managers and heads of key supply chain functions in 10 ready to eat (RTE) food and beverage manufacturing companies operating in Nigeria. Data collection was by means of semi-structured interviews. These were supported with document review and other secondary data.
FindingsThe high level of discrete BSR attributes identified in the organisations studied permeate the nature of information sharing practices in which the focal firm exert absolute control over information exchange, thereby limiting the ability of partners, especially the distributors to develop traceability awareness and commitment which could potentially impact on the safety and quality of the product in the downstream. It is therefore, hoped that the research will be a contribution to the limited literature on food supply chain traceability in developing countries such as Africa.
Research limitations/ implicationsThe food and beverage industry in Nigeria comprises of sub-sectors with unique supply chain characteristics. While it is plausible that the result generated from this study and theory developed may be applied to other sectors of the industry based on similarities in supply chain environment, future research covering all sectors of the F & B industry is encouraged in order to gain a far-reaching and in-depth understanding of the nature of information sharing practices and impact on the traceability of the Nigerian food supply chain.
Practical implicationsThis study has shown that focal firms are less concerned with sharing information that builds the knowledge of the supply chain partners in advancing their traceability intentions. Consequently, partners in the supply chain lack the capability to link with the focal firms in ensuring the safety and quality of food and beverage products as they move further downstream to the final consumers.
Social ImplicationsPreliminary findings show lack of adequate information management and sharing downstream of the Nigerian food and beverage supply chain. So, it hoped this study will influence public attitude and awareness as well as inform new public and industry policies on the importance traceability in ensuring food safety and quality.
Originality/valueThere is limited study and theoretical understanding of the factors underlying information sharing and buyer-supplier relationship as enablers of material and product traceability in the supply chain of the Nigerian food and beverage industry. This study therefore, fills this gap.
Original languageEnglish
Pages26-26
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 31 May 2018
Event3rd Annual Research Conference- Centre for African Research and Economic Development (CAREED) - UWS, Paisley Campus, Paisley, United Kingdom
Duration: 31 May 20181 Jun 2018

Conference

Conference3rd Annual Research Conference- Centre for African Research and Economic Development (CAREED)
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityPaisley
Period31/05/181/06/18

Keywords

  • Traceability
  • Supply
  • Information sharing
  • Food and beverage
  • Relationship

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