Augmenting Halal Food Integrity through Supply Chain Integration
ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of the supply chain integration in augmenting food integrity from the perspective of the focal companies. A series of case studies in four halal food supply chain (fast food, kopitiam, casual dining, and fresh processed food) in Malaysia were conducted in understanding the companies' best practices in safeguarding halal food integrity. The findings from the case studies were then suited and discussed in the paradigm of arc of integration theory. The results provide strong empirical evidence on how a stronger supply chain integration could enhance halal food integrity. Theoretically, this paper advances supply chain integration paradigm discussion into food industry. It offers a novel understanding of supply chain integration relevancy in food industry and in particular the supply chain integration strategy in safeguarding halal food integrity. In addition, the paper offers propositions on how halal integrity could be better achieved through a range of integration strategies. In practice, the paper offers a way forward to the managers in selecting the most relevant type of supply chain integration practices. Keywords: Supply chain integration; halal; food integrity ABSTRAK Tujuan artikel ini adalah untuk mengetengahkan kepentingan integrasi rantaian bekalan dalam mengukuhkan integriti makanan dari perspektif syarikat pengeluar. Satu siri kajian kes di empat halal rantaian bekalan makanan (makanan segera, kopitiam, makan kasual, dan makanan diproses segar) di Malaysia telah dijalankan dalam memahami amalan terbaik syarikat syarikat 'dalam menjaga integriti makanan halal. Hasil penemuan daripada kajian kes disesuaikan dan dibincangkan dalam paradigma teori "arc of integration" Dapatan kajian telah memberikan bukti empirikal yang kukuh tentang bagaimana integrasi rantaian bekalan yang lebih kukuh boleh meningkatkan integriti makanan halal. Secara teorinya, artikel ini menambah perbincangan berkenaan integrasi rantaian bekalan dalam industri makanan. Ianya juga memberikan pemahaman yang baharu berkaitan integrasi rantaian bekalan yang relevan dalam industri makanan dan khususnya strategi integrasi rantaian bekalan dalam menjaga integriti makanan halal. Di samping itu, artikel ini mancadangakan beberapa usul tentang bagaimana integriti halal boleh dicapai dengan lebih baik melalui pelbagai strategi integrasi. Secara praktikal, artikel ini boleh membantu pengurus dalam memilih jenis amalan integrasi rantaian bekalan yang paling relevan. Kata kunci: Integrasi rantaian bekalan; halal; integriti makanan