Supply chain management: theory, practice and future challenges

Abstract

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to critically assess current developments in the theory and practice of supply management and through such an assessment to identify barriers, possibilities and key trends. Design/methodology/approach-The paper is based on a three-year detailed study of six supply chains which encompassed 72 companies in Europe. The focal firms in each instance were sophisticated, blue-chip corporations operating on an international scale. Managers across at least four echelons of the supply chain were interviewed and the supply chains were traced and observed. Findings-The paper reveals that supply management is, at best, still emergent in terms of both theory and practice. Few practitioners were able-or even seriously aspired-to extend their reach across the supply chain in the manner prescribed in much modern theory. The paper identifies the range of key barriers and enablers to supply management and it concludes with an assessment of the main trends. Research limitations/implications-The research presents a number of challenges to existing thinking about supply strategy and supply chain management. It reveals the substantial gaps between theory and practice. A number of trends are identified which it is argued may work in favour of better prospects for SCM in the future and for the future of supply management as a discipline. Practical implications-A central challenge concerns who could or should manage the supply chain. Barriers to effective supply management are identified and some practical steps to surmount them are suggested. Originality/value-The paper is original in the way in which it draws on an extensive systematic study to critically assess current theory and current developments. The paper points the way for theorists and practitioners to meet future challenges.

Supply chain integration, quality management and firm performance of pork processing industry in China

“…Although there are a number of interlocking ideas and propositions which constitute the theory and prescription of supply chain management, the central underpinning ideas relate to alignment and integration (Storey et al, 2006). Our research attempted to study the interrelationships among supply chain integration, quality management practices and firm performance on the basis of data collected from the pork processing sector in China.…”

A guide for supply chain integration in SMEs

“…Hence, there is still room for significant improvement in both the analysis and the theoretical study and practical definition of the methodology, as well as in the development of tools that are suitable for later application in the business world (Storey et al 2006).…”

Inventory Models Involving Lead Time Crashing Cost as an Exponential Function

“…A number of definitions are proposed and the concept is discussed from many perspectives. However Cousins et al [7]; Sachan and Datta [38]; Storey et al [42] provided excellent review on supply chain management literature. These papers define the concept, principals, nature, and development of SCM and indicate that there is an intense research being conducted around the world in this field they critically assessed developments in the theory and practice of supply management.…”