This research applies a qualitative, exploratory approach and uses the research methodology of design science to analyze power dynamics in a digitalized SCM landscape. Through 15 expert interviews and comprehensive case studies, the study develops a design theory approach that offers insights into how digitalization influences power allocations, strategies, and interactions within supply chains, bridging the research gap in this domain. A three-level supply chain model is introduced to represent interactions among supply chain insiders, outsiders, and the digital supply chain backbone. Furthermore, a power model adapted for the digitalized environment was developed. Case studies featuring Amazon, SAP, Mercedes Benz, NVIDIA, VW, and Prevent validate the relevance of the design theory. Findings emphasize the need to differentiate power dynamics in analogue and digital contexts within SCM, contributing to theory development and understanding of the evolving power landscape in the digital era. The findings contribute to the advancement of supply chain management theory in digital transformation and shed light on the intricate relationship between power structures and digitalization within supply chains.

Global logistics and supply chain standardization involves strategically coordinating processes across diverse subsidiaries to achieve global efficiency and local responsiveness, fostering worldwide knowledge exchange. However, this entails overcoming foreign process variations and diverse subsidiary mindsets across different locations while accommodating local dimensions. Our study, based on a strong theoretical foundation and action research strategy, aims to create a logistics standardization framework for modelling and defining operations, and measuring process deviations globally. We employ a maturity-oriented strategy, conducting interviews and meticulous examinations of 10 European plants in various sectors. We developed a framework with 16 processes and 113 designated achievements at different maturity levels, along with performance metrics for each process. Further, we provide a roadmap for continual improvement, emphasizing the importance of metrics in evaluating standardized procedures. Notably, we highlighted the processes of material planning, inbound transport management, and inventory management, which were found to be the top priorities from our findings. By elucidating the key components and considerations in crafting such frameworks, our findings equip practitioners and scholars with a structured approach to addressing the challenges associated with standardizing logistics processes on a global scale.

The technology acceptance model (TAM) has been used by several researchers to explain the usage and adoption of technologies. Interestingly, this framework has not yet been applied to digital logistics in the context of low-income countries. This study used TAM to study empirically the intention of stakeholders in Ethiopian supply chains to adopt digital technologies. It used a modified TAM by adding factors specific to firms in low-income countries. Data were obtained through an extensive survey of logistics professionals. The results indicate that, in addition to usefulness and ease of use, external factors such as the presence of infrastructure, availability of human resources, accessibility of the technologies and existence of relevant policies significantly contribute to stakeholders’ adoption of digitalisation technologies in their supply chain. The study emphasises the importance of awareness creation programmes and the development of a digital strategy to ensure successful digital transformation in low-income countries. Its findings are useful for policymakers and practitioners as they enable them to understand the relationship between technology adoption, user perceptions and external facilitating conditions.