An exploratory study on supply chain reconfiguration and action research: for MBA students

An exploratory study on supply chain reconfiguration and action research: for MBA students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "What would an action research be like for employment in a 6-month part-time MBA dissertation project on the theme of supply chain reconfiguration?"

The reply: "An action research project for employment within a 6-month part-time MBA dissertation on supply chain reconfiguration would involve a practical, participatory approach aimed at solving a real organizational problem related to supply chain changes, while integrating MBA-learned concepts and research methods.

What Action Research Entails in This Context

• Participatory and Iterative Process: The researcher actively collaborates with stakeholders (e.g., supply chain managers, employees, suppliers) to identify issues, implement changes, and reflect on outcomes in cycles. This approach allows for continuous feedback and adjustment, ensuring solutions are practical and context-specific12.

• Focus on Real Organizational Problems: The research centers on a current supply chain challenge—such as supplier reliability, inventory inefficiencies, or capacity reallocation—and aims to improve employment-related aspects like job roles, satisfaction, or workforce adaptation during supply chain reconfiguration14.

• Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Data: Data collection methods might include surveys, interviews, focus groups, and operational data analysis to understand employee experiences, process bottlenecks, and supply chain performance. This mixed-methods approach enriches insights and supports evidence-based interventions1.

• Researcher’s Insider Role and Reflexivity: The MBA candidate may act as an insider or change agent within the organization, requiring careful reflection on their positionality and power dynamics to ensure inclusive and unbiased participation1.

Typical Structure and Activities Over 6 Months

1. Problem Identification and Planning (Month 1): Define the supply chain reconfiguration problem affecting employment or workforce dynamics. Develop a research proposal aligned with MBA coursework and organizational goals2.

2. Data Collection and Diagnosis (Months 2-3): Conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups with employees and supply chain stakeholders to gather insights on job satisfaction, role changes, and operational challenges during reconfiguration1.

3. Action and Intervention (Months 3-4): Collaboratively design and implement interventions such as new flexible work policies, training programs, or process adjustments to support employees through supply chain changes1.

4. Evaluation and Reflection (Months 5-6): Assess the impact of interventions on employment outcomes and supply chain performance. Use feedback to refine strategies and document lessons learned for both academic and practical contributions12.

Relevance to Supply Chain Reconfiguration Theme

• The research could explore how reconfiguring suppliers, inventory policies, or capacity affects employee roles, satisfaction, and retention within the supply chain function4.

• Action research allows testing of new employment practices (e.g., flexible work arrangements, cross-functional teams) that support the supply chain transformation, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and employee well-being1.

• The iterative nature of action research suits the dynamic and complex environment of supply chain reconfiguration, enabling adaptive solutions based on real-time feedback24.

Summary

An action research project in a part-time MBA dissertation on supply chain reconfiguration would be a collaborative, cyclical investigation focused on improving employment-related outcomes amid supply chain changes. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical interventions, using mixed methods and stakeholder engagement to generate actionable insights and foster organizational change within a 6-month timeframe124."

My question 2: "Suggest 4 related research objectives and 2 research questions on this topic in the Hong Kong context. Also comment on the originality, academic and practical values of these research objectives and questions."

The reply: "Here are suggested research objectives and research questions tailored to a 6-month part-time MBA dissertation on supply chain reconfiguration focusing on employment in the Hong Kong context, along with comments on their originality, academic, and practical values.

Suggested Research Objectives

1. To analyze the impact of supply chain reconfiguration on employment roles and workforce skills requirements in Hong Kong’s manufacturing and logistics sectors.
   This objective addresses how supply chain changes reshape job functions and skill demands amid digital transformation and regional shifts in supply chains23.

2. To evaluate the effectiveness of high-involvement human resource management (HRM) practices in enhancing employee adaptability and resilience during supply chain reconfiguration in Hong Kong firms.
   This draws on the AMO (ability-motivation-opportunity) framework linking HRM practices to supply chain resilience, focusing on employee participation, skills, and incentives4.

3. To investigate the role of digital technologies and automation in mitigating employment disruptions caused by supply chain restructuring in Hong Kong’s supply chain industry.
   This reflects the sector’s push for digital transformation to improve operational efficiency and manage workforce changes23.

4. To explore the challenges and opportunities faced by supply chain employees in Hong Kong during the post-COVID-19 supply chain reconfiguration, including workforce stability and skill development.
   This contextualizes the study within ongoing pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions and recovery strategies relevant to Hong Kong’s unique economic and labor environment13.

Suggested Research Questions

1. How do supply chain reconfiguration strategies affect employment roles, skills requirements, and workforce stability in Hong Kong’s supply chain and manufacturing sectors?

2. What HRM practices most effectively support employee resilience and adaptability during supply chain reconfiguration in Hong Kong firms?

Comments on Originality, Academic, and Practical Values

• Originality:
  These objectives and questions are original in their combined focus on employment impacts, HRM practices, and digital transformation within the specific Hong Kong context—a region experiencing unique supply chain shifts due to geopolitical tensions, COVID-19 recovery, and regional manufacturing relocations3. The integration of supply chain reconfiguration with employment and HRM research is still emerging, especially with a focus on resilience and adaptability4.

• Academic Value:
  The research contributes to supply chain management literature by empirically linking supply chain reconfiguration to workforce dynamics and HRM effectiveness, particularly using the AMO framework for employee empowerment in resilience4. It also adds to knowledge on digital transformation’s role in workforce adaptation in supply chains, an area with growing scholarly interest23.

• Practical Value:
  The findings can guide Hong Kong companies in managing workforce transitions during supply chain changes, informing HR policies that enhance employee skills, motivation, and participation to sustain operational performance4. Insights into digital tools and automation’s impact on employment can help firms balance efficiency gains with workforce stability2. Moreover, understanding post-pandemic employment challenges supports strategic workforce planning in a volatile environment13.

In sum, these research objectives and questions provide a focused, contextually relevant framework for investigating employment issues in supply chain reconfiguration in Hong Kong, balancing academic rigor with actionable insights for practitioners."

My question 3: "What are the public media-reported issues on supply chain reconfiguration over the past 8 years?"

The reply: "Over the past eight years, public media reports on supply chain reconfiguration have highlighted several key issues, particularly in the Hong Kong context:

• Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Wars: The US-China trade war and rising global trade protectionism have pressured Hong Kong to transition from a simple transshipment port to a comprehensive global supply chain services hub. This shift requires Hong Kong to enhance its supply chain management capabilities beyond re-exporting, integrating professional services like finance, law, and insurance to support complex, multi-country supply chains2.

• COVID-19 Pandemic Impact: The pandemic accelerated disruptions, prompting businesses to diversify sourcing bases and markets, leading to major supply chain transformations. Hong Kong faces both challenges and opportunities in adapting to these changes, including the need to bolster supply chain financing and digitalisation to improve resilience and efficiency13.

• Supply Chain Financing and Digitalisation: There is a strong focus on developing Hong Kong as a multinational supply chain management centre with robust financial services. Issues include the need for legal reforms to recognize digital trade documents, adoption of fintech innovations like tokenization of trade documents, and streamlining financing processes to support supply chain operations1.

• Talent Shortages and Workforce Adaptation: Reports emphasize growing demand for procurement managers, logistics specialists, and supply chain analysts in Hong Kong, driven by nearshoring strategies and regional diversification. Challenges include shortages in supply chain digitalisation skills and the need for workforce flexibility and green supply chain expertise to align with ESG goals5.

• Sustainability and Regulatory Pressures: Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable manufacturing practices and facing evolving regulatory oversight. Supply chain reconfiguration must address these pressures while maintaining agility and operational efficiency6.

• Regional Integration and Connectivity: Hong Kong’s strategic location and connectivity to the Greater Bay Area and Asia-Pacific markets are seen as key advantages. Efforts focus on leveraging these for multinational supply chain centres and supporting regional trade connectivity, particularly with partners like Indonesia4.

• Shift in Business Models and Ecosystem Management: The traditional supply chain models are being reinvented with emphasis on managing ecosystems of partners and suppliers rather than internal capabilities alone, driven by digital integration, regulatory uncertainty, and ESG considerations67.

In summary, media-reported issues on supply chain reconfiguration over the past eight years revolve around geopolitical shifts, pandemic-driven disruptions, financial and digital innovation needs, workforce challenges, sustainability pressures, and Hong Kong’s strategic repositioning as a global supply chain hub with enhanced professional services and regional integration123456."

My question 4: "What are the Hong Kong public media-reported issues on supply chain reconfiguration over the past 8 years?"

The reply: "Public media reports in Hong Kong over the past eight years have highlighted several key issues related to supply chain reconfiguration:

• Supply Chain Financing and Financial Sector Response: Hong Kong’s financial authorities and banking sector have been actively supporting supply chain reconfiguration by facilitating SME financing and trade finance services. Initiatives include credit relief measures for SMEs, the establishment of taskforces to study supply chain financing risks and opportunities, and the launch of RMB trade financing liquidity facilities to support real economy growth. These efforts aim to maintain Hong Kong’s status as a premier trade financing hub amid global supply chain shifts caused by COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, and economic transformation1.

• Digital Trade and Green Supply Chains: There is a growing focus on digitalisation and sustainability in supply chains. Hong Kong is advancing digital trade infrastructure and promoting green supply chains to enhance efficiency and environmental responsibility. Tokenisation of bonds and digital bond issuance schemes also reflect the broader trend of integrating fintech solutions into supply chain financing1.

• Industrial Supply Chain Digital Transformation: Reports emphasize the need for digital transformation across the industrial supply chain to address inefficiencies such as fragmented supply bases, non-standardized product specifications, and procurement challenges. Hong Kong and regional players are leveraging AI and digital platforms to unify product data and streamline procurement processes, aiming to reduce costs and improve transparency3.

• Talent and Workforce Challenges: The evolving supply chain landscape has increased demand for skilled professionals in procurement, logistics, and supply chain analytics. Nearshoring and regional diversification strategies have intensified the need for workforce adaptability and digital skills, while sustainability goals require green supply chain expertise14.

• Sustainability and Consumer Trends: Sustainability has become a prominent theme, with businesses adopting eco-friendly practices in response to consumer demand for green and healthy products. This shift influences supply chain configuration to prioritize environmental considerations alongside efficiency4.

• Regional Integration and Market Expansion: Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area and broader Asia-Pacific markets is highlighted, with efforts to build unified national markets and enhance regional supply chain connectivity. Compliance and localization are key challenges as Chinese retail and commercial enterprises expand globally4.

In summary, Hong Kong public media reports over the past eight years focus on financial innovations supporting supply chain reconfiguration, digital and green supply chain development, workforce skill demands, sustainability integration, and leveraging Hong Kong’s strategic regional position to adapt to global supply chain transformations134."

My question 5: "What have been the research gaps and research issues on the topic of supply chain reconfiguration over the past 15 years?"

The reply: "Over the past 15 years, research on supply chain reconfiguration has identified several persistent gaps and issues, as revealed by systematic literature reviews and recent studies:

Key Research Gaps and Issues

• Limited Understanding of Digital Transformation’s Role: While digital technologies (e.g., AI, IoT, blockchain) are widely recognized as critical enablers of supply chain reconfiguration and resilience, empirical studies examining how digital transformation specifically affects supply chain adaptability and recovery remain limited, especially longitudinal analyses across different industries and regions1.

• Integration of Sustainability and Green Practices: Despite growing interest in sustainable supply chains, there is a research gap in how supply chain reconfiguration incorporates environmental and social sustainability goals effectively, balancing economic performance with green innovation and regulatory compliance3.

• Supply Chain Disruption Mitigation Strategies: Although many studies address disruption risks, there is a lack of comprehensive frameworks that integrate mitigation strategies with reconfiguration processes, especially in the context of multi-echelon, global supply chains facing complex disruptions such as pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, and climate events35.

• Human and Organizational Factors: Research often overlooks the role of workforce capabilities, knowledge sharing culture, and organizational change management in successful supply chain reconfiguration. The interplay between human resource management and supply chain agility needs deeper exploration2.

• Geopolitical and Regionalization Impacts: Recent geopolitical tensions (e.g., Russia-Ukraine conflict, US-China trade war) have prompted supply chain regionalization and diversification strategies, but empirical research on the costs, benefits, and strategic implications of these shifts is still emerging45.

• Risk Perception and Behavioral Aspects: There is a gap between theoretical risk management models and practical risk perception by supply chain managers, affecting decision-making during reconfiguration3.

• Lack of Multi-disciplinary Approaches: Supply chain reconfiguration research tends to be siloed within operations management or engineering disciplines, with insufficient integration of insights from finance, information systems, and organizational behavior to address complex, dynamic supply chain challenges holistically3.

• Post-Pandemic Supply Chain Recovery: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, yet research on adaptive reconfiguration strategies that enhance resilience and continuity in the face of such systemic shocks is still developing3.

Summary

Research over the last 15 years has advanced understanding of supply chain reconfiguration but still faces gaps related to digital transformation effects, sustainability integration, comprehensive disruption mitigation, human and organizational dynamics, geopolitical influences, and bridging theory-practice divides. Addressing these gaps requires interdisciplinary, empirical, and context-specific studies to guide effective supply chain redesign in an increasingly volatile global environment12345."

My question 6: "What are the theories employed to study the theme of supply chain reconfiguration?"

The reply: "The study of supply chain reconfiguration (SCR) has employed several key theories and theoretical frameworks to understand and guide how firms adapt their supply chains in response to dynamic environments, risks, and strategic goals. Based on the literature, the following theories are commonly used:

Theories Employed in Supply Chain Reconfiguration Research

• Balanced Scorecard (BSC) Framework
  The BSC framework, developed by Kaplan and Norton, is widely used to evaluate and prioritize supply chain reconfiguration variables across four perspectives: financial, customer, internal business processes, and innovation and learning. This approach links strategic objectives with performance metrics and helps in decision-making by balancing financial and non-financial factors during supply chain redesign1.

• Analytic Network Process (ANP)
  ANP is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method that captures interdependencies and feedback among criteria and sub-criteria in supply chain reconfiguration. Unlike hierarchical methods, ANP models complex relationships between variables, making it suitable for prioritizing reconfiguration factors in dynamic and uncertain environments1.

• Flexibility and Reconfigurability Theory
  This theory underpins frameworks that view supply chains as flexible and reconfigurable networks capable of adjusting structure and processes to cope with market dynamics. It emphasizes modularity, agility, and the ability to rapidly reassemble supply chain components to meet changing customer demands and external disruptions3.

• Collaboration and Coordination Theories
  Theories related to collaboration, such as Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR), focus on information sharing and joint decision-making among supply chain partners to improve responsiveness and reduce inefficiencies. These theories support reconfiguration by fostering synchronized operations and aligned incentives across the supply chain5.

• Dynamic Capability Theory
  This theory explains how firms develop and deploy capabilities to sense, seize, and reconfigure resources in response to environmental changes. It is often applied to understand the strategic agility and learning processes behind supply chain reconfiguration, particularly in volatile and complex markets6.

• Strategy Development Frameworks in SCM
  Some studies propose frameworks that integrate strategic analysis and implementation strategies for supply chain reconfiguration, highlighting factors such as market conditions, internal capabilities, and competitive positioning as drivers of reconfiguration decisions7.

These theories provide comprehensive lenses to analyze supply chain reconfiguration from operational, strategic, and organizational perspectives, enabling researchers and practitioners to address complexity, uncertainty, and performance trade-offs inherent in supply chain redesign."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.