Track: Supply Chain Management

Abstract

The Sultanate of Oman, with its evolving cold chain logistics arena, finds itself balancing between emerging technological advancements and its established operational frameworks (Brown & Al-Harthy, 2019). Considering Oman's pivotal role in international commerce, deciphering the impact of digital innovations in its cold chain logistics is of paramount importance (Khan & Al-Saidi, 2020). This research endeavors to dissect the impediments and opportunities linked to the infusion of digital methodologies within Oman's temperature-sensitive logistics. Guiding this exploration are three specific objectives:

(1) Exploring the digital readiness and challenges of Oman's cold chain: Conversations with industry players, logistics aficionados, and cold chain specialists will reveal the existing digital backdrop and its associated challenges. A meticulous analysis of current logistics records will elucidate the potential and implications of digital enhancements.

(2) Highlighting apt digital strategies and their resonance in the Omani landscape: A rigorous literature exploration, paired with dialogues with experts, will unveil cutting-edge digital tools, their worldwide applications, and their suitability for Oman's distinctive cold chain environment.

(3) Crafting a roadmap for the digital transformation of Oman's cold chain operations: Questionnaires targeting logistics experts and stakeholder interactions will gauge the current state of digital assimilation, understanding, and necessities. These insights will craft a foundation for pragmatic guidelines and advice for effective digital adoption. This scholarly endeavor aims to amplify understanding regarding the digital horizon in Oman's cold chain domain. Its insights aspire to enlighten logistics experts, decision-makers, and industry stakeholders, ensuring Oman carves its niche in the realm of digital-forward cold chain logistics.