The research conducted in Oman explored the impact of food safety risks on the performance of the food supply chain and developed a framework to enhance the safety, resilience, and sustainability of the country's food supply chains.
The Role of Technology in the Food Supply Chain
This project, titled "A Framework to Address the Impact of Food Safety Risks on Supply Chain Performance," was led by Dr. Rizen Masango, an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Middle East College of Management, and was funded with support from the Strategic Research Program by the Research and Innovation Organization in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources.
Read more: Extensive Research in Turkey on the $18 Billion Investment Scandal
This research examined how food tracking, information technology, regulatory compliance, food safety requirements, risk management, data accuracy, supply chain collaboration, and predictive analytics affect the performance of food supply chains in Oman.
Key Findings of the Research
This study aimed to go beyond individual food safety controls and developed a technology-based integrated approach to risk management across the supply chain. This approach was achieved by combining statistical analysis with existing surveys and conceptual research.
Among the key findings of this research was the identification of information technology as a significant factor in improving food supply chain performance and effectively managing risks. Technology-based tracking systems also contributed to enhancing food safety performance and strengthening collaboration among supply chain partners.
Collaboration, in particular, showed a direct impact on food safety performance. The research indicated that regulatory compliance contributes to improved food safety and sustainable practices, especially when it leads to more accurate and timely data.
However, tracking alone cannot improve overall supply chain performance. Its benefits are realized more when supported by information technology, stronger collaboration, better visibility in the supply chain, and enhanced risk management capabilities.
Dr. Masango also developed a framework for predictive analytics that uses data to forecast potential risks before they occur. The findings showed that stronger food safety practices, greater supply chain transparency, and better technology integration can help identify and manage food safety risks early.
Based on the findings, Dr. Masango recommended accelerating the adoption of integrated tracking technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and connected digital record systems. He also emphasized the need to strengthen regulatory compliance, auditing, and enforcement, calling for alignment of food safety practices with international standards and requirements in Oman.
Dr. Masango also stressed the need to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and visibility of information shared across the food supply chain and suggested fostering greater collaboration among producers, importers, logistics service providers, authorities, and retailers.
Ultimately, this project led to the publication of several peer-reviewed articles in the fields of food tracking, quality management and food safety, predictive analytics, and supply chain performance.
The research team included Dr. Rizen Masango, Dr. Charles Tsikada, Ms. Jawhara Sultan Al Habsi, Dr. Changerai Muchenje, Mr. Benson Roziyeh, and Mr. Mohamed Salah Al-Din.
Read more: Central Bank of Oman Secured 18 Million Omani Rials Through Treasury Bills · Oman Presented Household Income and Expenditure Census Using Artificial Intelligence in a Meeting in Jeddah
