SMN Digest June 2024

1. Onto the Fourth Business State: An Analysis of Transformative Strategies in Supply Chain and Logistics Amidst and Post COVID-19 Using the Structure-Anti-Structure-Anastructure Framework

Elijah Lucas Indigo Cabacungan, Joseph Ericson Galvez, Elizabeth Kristine Gregorio, Remwin Lorenz Guevarra, Michael Mallari, Paolo Martin Portillo, and Dr. Ruel V. Maningas

This paper explores the supply chain and logistics industry’s pre-COVID-19 situation as well as its pandemic-induced transformations and post-pandemic resiliency from the lens of business and non-business frameworks and theories. Using various business frameworks such as the PESTEL and Business Environment Frameworks, the paper delved into the details of (1) the pre-COVID industry trends, (2) the effect of the pandemic on the industry’s growth, and how the industry adapted to the pandemic; and (3) the post-pandemic changes on parts of the industry and the effect of the more recent global economic shocks on the industry. The strategies and factors extracted from the aforementioned categories are mapped out by adapting a Structure-Antistructure-Anastructure framework that represents the three business states in the transformation process. In furtherance, the paper looked into the actions taken by Maersk, a global shipping company and industry leader, as a use case for the framework.

The paper concludes with a suggestion to use the framework as a transformation model to guide the organization across various stages of its business lifecycle. Since the framework is limited to a reactionary approach, a fourth resulting business state – called the Restructure – is introduced on which concepts of “First Principles Thinking” and “First Mover Advantage” are grounded. 

2. Digital Horizons: The Transformative Role of Information Systems in the Smart City Landscape

Kenrick Matriano and Dr. Ruel V. Maningas

Information systems (IS) are critical in developing productivity, operations, and strategic decision-making across several industries. Utilizing IS in various organizations helps foster streamlined processes and efficient data management. This paper investigates scholarly publications focusing on information systems’ role in smart city development.

To analyze the different cases, the researchers used the Seven Dimensions of Smart Cities, which consists of smart mobility, smart living, smart environment, smart citizens, smart government, smart economy, and smart architecture. These dimensions encompass the various public infrastructure and services sectors that can be enhanced through information systems. The researchers were able to identify that information systems played a major part in enabling the best-performing cities in the world (i.e., Zurich, Oslo, Singapore, Beijing, and Seoul). Information systems are found to be critical for cities to achieve long-term urban development goals and secure high levels of quality of life. Each of these cities demonstrates proficiency in designing, implementing, and maintaining information systems capable of supporting millions of people and setting a clear global standard for other cities to follow.

Recommendations from each of these cities have consistently centered on privacy and security of data, which must be fully accounted for the information systems to return its full potential value and prevent possible threats that could compromise public safety.

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