A model of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
ISSN: 0960-0035
Article publication date: 14 June 2011
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity that provides an understanding of the drivers of supply chain complexity and strategies to manage supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity and outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Grounded theory methodology is employed to build a theory of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity and develop propositions related to antecedents, moderators, and outcomes of supply chain complexity. In addition, extensive literature review and informal interactions with a number of supply chain professionals have been used to validate the theory.
Findings
In addition to identifying the antecedents of supply chain complexity, the authors explore strategic, human cognitive ability, and tactical moderators for managing supply chain complexity.
Research limitations/implications
The comprehensive framework presented in the paper builds a theory of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity that is grounded in empirical data. The research also incorporates disparate findings, constructs from multi‐disciplinary research on supply chain complexity and provides future research directions.
Practical implications
The research helps practitioners better understand the sources and outcomes of supply chain complexity and how to manage it. Various strategies to moderate the impact of supply chain complexity are presented.
Originality/value
An integrated, comprehensive theory of supply chain complexity is proposed along with definitions of supply chain complexity and supply chain decision‐making complexity. The proposed model is rooted in actual practice and supported by the existing literature.
Keywords
Citation
Manuj, I. and Sahin, F. (2011), "A model of supply chain and supply chain decision‐making complexity", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 41 No. 5, pp. 511-549. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600031111138844
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited