Purpose

The major purpose of this study is to investigate the role of Industry 4.0 in circular supply chain management (CSCM). The study also identifies variables that positively influence circular performance of a supply chain and examines the relationships among them.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a novel mixed-method exploratory methodology with sequential design. To understand the relationships among the enablers and the role of Industry 4.0 in circular performance of supply chain, a qualitative method (interpretive structural modeling) was utilized. Following the qualitative phase, a questionnaire based quantitative study was conducted and the hypothesized mediating relationships were evaluated through smart-PLS structural equation modeling tool.

Findings

The findings of interpretive structural modeling (ISM) model revealed the hierarchical relationships among the enablers of circular supply chain management based on their relative importance. The variables were clustered in three groups of driver, dependent and linkage variables. The results of the structural model indicated that Industry 4.0 play a mediating role between the driver and dependent variables that influence circular performance in a supply chain.

Practical implications

The research offers practical insights for supply chains moving in the direction of zero waste by highlighting the important variables that require actions from different stakeholders. The research also reveals the importance of integrating Industry 4.0 technologies in restorative and regenerative cycles of circular supply chain.

Originality/value

The originality of the research stems from the scarcity of research on circular supply chain management. The authors argue about the critical role that Industry 4.0 can play in achieving circularity in supply chains.

中文翻译：

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工业 4.0 在循环供应链管理中的作用：混合方法分析

目的

本研究的主要目的是调查工业 4.0 在循环供应链管理 (CSCM) 中的作用。该研究还确定了对供应链循环绩效产生积极影响的变量，并检验了它们之间的关系。

设计/方法/途径

本研究使用一种新颖的混合方法探索方法和顺序设计。为了了解促成因素之间的关系以及工业 4.0 在供应链循环绩效中的作用，采用了定性方法（解释性结构模型）。在定性阶段之后，进行了基于问卷的定量研究，并通过 smart-PLS 结构方程建模工具评估了假设的中介关系。

发现

解释结构模型 (ISM) 模型的结果揭示了循环供应链管理的促成因素之间基于其相对重要性的层次关系。这些变量聚集在三组驱动变量、因变量和连锁变量中。结构模型的结果表明，工业 4.0 在影响供应链循环绩效的驱动因素和因变量之间起着中介作用。

实际影响

该研究通过强调需要不同利益相关者采取行动的重要变量，为供应链朝着零浪费的方向发展提供了实用的见解。该研究还揭示了将工业 4.0 技术整合到循环供应链的恢复和再生循环中的重要性。

原创性/价值

该研究的独创性源于循环供应链管理研究的匮乏。作者讨论了工业 4.0 在实现供应链循环方面可以发挥的关键作用。