International Journal of Integrated Supply Management (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Low-carbon supply chain decisions under technology licensing: a game-theoretic model of delayed entry  
  by Kai Chen, Hongzhuan Chen 
  Abstract: This study develops a two-stage dynamic game model to explore manufacturers’ delayed entry (DE) strategies for supply chain decarbonisation under proprietary technology barriers, utilising technology licensing (TL) as the enabling mechanism. We find that suppliers consistently welcome and conditionally facilitate manufacturer entry, while manufacturers prefer higher post-entry low-carbon technology (LCT) investments. The entry decision operates within three regimes governed by fixed-cost thresholds: unconditional, conditional, and no-entry. In the conditional regime, the supplier’s LCT investment acts as a strategic signal calibrated to an emission threshold, creating a threshold-triggered equilibrium. Although TL incentivises suppliers to elevate LCT investment, it can trigger an under-investment effect, hindering decarbonisation and inducing efficiency losses. To resolve this dual problem, we design a bargaining-based coordination contract, achieving Pareto improvement. In summary, DE serves as a strategic catalyst for supply chain decarbonisation. Furthermore, the analysis provides managers with actionable guidance on when and how to implement this strategy.
  Keywords: delayed entry; low-carbon technology investment; technology licensing; under-investment; coordination contract.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJISM.2026.10081146
   
  
• Is innovation lost in translation? Moving from policy goals to organisational procurement strategies  
  by Hendrik Hermann Bangert, Andreas Herbert Glas, Michael Eßig, Christian Von Deimling 
  Abstract: Despite policy goals to leverage public procurement as a driver of innovation, many contracting authorities face implementation challenges. Although strategic alignment is a recognised concept, organisational readiness for innovation procurement remains underexplored. The authors aim to address this gap by examining how policy ambitions can be operationalised through procurement strategies. Drawing on contingency theory, a measurement model is used to assess organisational readiness for innovative public procurement. Based on a questionnaire survey, the authors find that a significant proportion of contracting authorities operate without a procurement strategy. However, discriminant analysis provides evidence that the existence of a procurement strategy is a strong predictor of organisational characteristics conducive to successful innovation procurement. Further, the study highlights the potential of innovation intermediaries to bridge the implementation gap.
  Keywords: innovation; public procurement; strategy; policy; contingency theory; discriminant analysis; innovation intermediaries.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJISM.2026.10081644
   
  
• Towards consumer-centricity in omni-channel retail distribution networks  
  by Bruna Rigon De Oliveira, Enzo Morosini Frazzon 
  Abstract: This study investigates order-to-consumer fulfilment within consumer-centric omni-channel retail distribution networks through the lens of behavioural operations theory. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic literature review of 50 papers was conducted to synthesise structural and operational configurations across five fundamental aspects: distribution network structure, delivery destination, fulfilment location, last-mile logistics transport strategy, and service level. The analysis reveals that the core challenge in omni-channel logistics lies in holistically connecting physical network structure and operational execution with behaviour-driven demand stochasticity. These findings offer practical guidance for retailers operating in, or transitioning to, an omni-channel environment to refine their distribution strategies. Theoretically, this research moves beyond deterministic perspectives, redefining omni-channel distribution networks as dynamic systems driven by consumer desires. Furthermore, it outlines future prospects for the literature on consumer-centric omni-channel distribution networks.
  Keywords: omnichannel; multichannel; e-commerce; customer satisfaction; behavioural operations theory; demand stochasticity; online order fulfilment; last mile; quick commerce.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJISM.2026.10081927
   
  
• A vision and roadmap for quantitative research-based learning  
  by Enzo Morosini Frazzon, Bruna Rigon De Oliveira, Julia Cristina Bremen, Barbara Augusta De Mafra Martins 
  Abstract: The increasing complexity of production and logistics systems requires effective and robust problem-solving approaches. This paper proposes a vision and roadmap for a Quantitative Research-based Learning (QRbL) approach, which integrates quantitative methods and learning approaches to investigate, develop, and test solutions for complex problems, supporting research-based decision-making. The proposed approach addresses requirements of a new, technology-driven research landscape, fostering the investigation of practical problems along with stronger academia-industry collaboration and promoting outcomes that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. Examples of applications in diverse contexts are presented. QRbL fills the gap between case study and action research in operations management, leveraging the rigour and predictive capacity of quantitative methods to refine solutions and to promote learning.
  Keywords: research methodology; quantitative research; decision-making; modelling and simulation; academia-industry collaboration; operations management; logistics systems; problem-solving.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJISM.2026.10081953