Title: Strengthening innovative supply chain in the public transportation system of Curitiba through relational capabilities

Authors: Fernanda Salvador Alves; Ananda Silva Singh; Eduardo De Carli; Luiz Aurélio Virtuoso; Thálita Anny Estefanuto Orsiolli; Andrea Paula Segatto

Addresses: Business Department, Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, 632, Lothario Meissner Av. 2nd floor Jardim Botânico, Curitiba, 80210-170, PR, Brazil ' Business Department, Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, 632, Lothario Meissner Av. 2nd floor Jardim Botânico, Curitiba, 80210-170, PR, Brazil ' Business Department, Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, 632, Lothario Meissner Av. 2nd floor Jardim Botânico, Curitiba, 80210-170, PR, Brazil ' Transport Department, Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, Block V, Polytechnic Center, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, 81531-990, PR, Brazil ' Business Department, Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, 632, Lothario Meissner Av. 2nd floor Jardim Botânico, Curitiba, 80210-170, PR, Brazil ' Business Department, Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, 632, Lothario Meissner Av. 2nd floor Jardim Botânico, Curitiba, 80210-170, PR, Brazil

Abstract: This paper aims to characterise the relational capabilities present in the supply chain (SC) for 100% based on soybean oil biofuel usage, in the public transportation system (PTS) of Curitiba. Supply chain and relational capabilities constructs are used as theoretical foundation and a unique case study comprising the total chain of the biodiesel usage in the PTS was conducted. Data were collected from non-structured interviews with members of the upstream of the supply chain and were analysed under the perspective of each dimension and/or components of relational capabilities identified in the case. Empirical evidence from the total analysed supply chain contributes to the literature by analysing this issue from the perspective of relational capacities. The need for partners of an SC to coordinate activities, development of synergy amongst them and usage of knowledge and skills from previous experiences, demanding a joint learning consists in practical implications of this study.

Keywords: supply chain management; SCM; relational capabilities; alliances; biodiesel; soybean oil biofuel; public transportation system; PTS; Curitiba; city hall; case study; resiliency; Brazil; RC; cooperation; transportation research.

DOI: 10.1504/WRITR.2019.097840

World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research, 2019 Vol.8 No.1, pp.39 - 62

Received: 27 Dec 2017
Accepted: 15 Aug 2018

Published online: 14 Feb 2019 *

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