A Conceptual Framework for Supply Chain Competitiveness

Authors: Ajay Verma, Nitin Seth

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of the concept of competitiveness in the supply chain and to present a conceptual framework for Supply Chain Competitiveness (SCC). The framework is based on supply chain activities, which are inputs, necessary for SCC and the benefits which are the outputs of SCC. A literature review is conducted on key supply chain competitiveness issues, its determinants, its various dimensions followed by exploration for SCC. Based on the insights gained, a conceptual framework for SCC is presented based on activities for SCC, SCC environment and outcomes of SCC. The information flow in the conceptual framework is bi-directional at all levels and the activities are interrelated in a global competitive environment. The activities include the activities of suppliers, manufacturers and distributors, giving more emphasis on manufacturers- activities. Further, implications of various factors such as economic, politicolegal, technical, socio-cultural, competition, demographic etc. are also highlighted. The SCC framework is an attempt to cover the relatively less explored area of supply chain competitiveness. It is expected that this work will further motivate researchers, academicians and practitioners to work in this area and offers conceptual help in providing a directions for supply chain competitiveness which leads to improvement in the supply chain and supply chain performance.

Keywords: Competitive advantage, supply chain, SCC, supplychain management.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1334498

References:

[1] Bovet, D. and Sheffi, Y., The brave new world of Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Management Review, Vol. 2 (spring), 1998, pp. 14-22.
[2] Mentzer J.T., Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management-Twelve Drivers of Competitive Advantages, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Response books, New Delhi., 2004
[3] Academic Alliance Forum, Future Competition: Supply chain vs. supply chain, Logistics Management & Distribution Report, Vol. 38, No. 3, 1999, pp. 20-21.
[4] Christopher, Martin L., Logistics and Supply Chain Management, London: Pitman Publishing., 1992.
[5] La Londe, Bernard J. and James M. Masters, Emerging Logistics Strategies: Blueprints for the Next Century, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, Vol. 24, No. 7, 1994, pp. 35-47.
[6] Lambert, Douglas M., James R. Stock, and Lisa M. Ellram, Fundamentals of Logistics Management, Boston, MA: Irwin/McGraw- Hill, Chapter 14, 1998.
[7] Jones, Thomas and Daniel W. Riley. Using Inventory for Competitive Advantage through Supply Chain Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Materials Management, Vol. 15, No. 5, 1985, pp. 16-26.
[8] Stevens, Graham C., Integrating the Supply Chains, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Materials Management, Vol. 8, No. 8, 1989, pp. 3-8.
[9] Johnson, P., Supply Chain Management: the past, the present and the future, Manufacturing Engineer, Oct., pp.213-217, 1995
[10] Thomas, D. J. and Griffin, P. M, Coordinated Supply Chain Management, European Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 94, No.1, 1996, pp. 1-15.
[11] Christopher, M., Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Strategies for reducing cost and improving services, Financial Times Pitman Publishing,1998.
[12] Mentzer, J.T., DeWitt, W., Keebler, J.S., Min, S., Nix, N.W., Smith, C.D. and Zacharia, Z.G., Defining supply chain management, Journal of Business Logistics, Vol. 22, No. 2, 2001, pp.1-25
[13] Levi D.S., Kamansky P., Levi E.S. Designing and Managing the Supply Chain Concepts, strategies and case studies, Tata McGraw-Hill publishing company Ltd. Second edition, 2005
[14] Pine B.J., Jr. Mass Customization: The New Frontier in Business Competition, Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 1993.
[15] La londe, B.J. and Powers, R.F., Disintegration and reintegration: Logistics of the 21st century, International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 4, No. 2, 1993, pp. 1-12
[16] Fuller, J., O'Connor, J. and Rawlinson, R., Tailored Logistics: The Next Advantage, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 71, 1993, pp. 87-93.
[17] Hayes, R.H., and Wheelwright S.C., Restoring our Competitive Edge: Competing Through Manufacturing", John Wiley, NY, 1984
[18] Fisher, M. L., What is the Right Supply Chain for Your Product? Harvard Business Review, Vol. 75, 1997, pp. 105-116.
[19] Porter K., Supply chain partnerships: Opportunities for operations research,, European Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 101, 1996, pp. 419-429.
[20] La Londe, Bernard J., Supply Chain Management: Myth or Reality? Supply Chain Management Review, Vol. 1, spring, 1997, pp. 6-7.
[21] Vokurka, R. & Fliedner, G., The journey towards agility", Industrial Management and Data Systems, Vol. 98, No.4, 1998, 165-171.
[22] Miller J.G., and Roth A.V., Manufacturing strategies: Executive summary of the 1987 North American futures survey, Operations Management Review, Vol. 6, No. 1, 1998, pp. 8-22.
[23] Hitt, M.A., Ireland, D.R., and Hoskisson, R.E., Strategic Management", Cincinnati OH: southwestern College Publishing, 1999.
[24] Williams B., Advanced Supplier Partnerships, presented by Blair Williams from AT&T in a seminar organized by the Institute of Operation and Management (IOM) and the University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK, July 1999.
[25] Niraj, R., Gupta, M. and Narasimhan, C., Customer profitability in a supply chain, Journal of Marketing, Vol. 65 No. 3, 2001, pp. 1-16.
[26] Chopra S. and Meindl P., Supply Chain Management - Strategy, Planning and Operation, Prentice Hall International, Third Edition, 2006.
[27] Howgego, C., Maximizing competitiveness through the supply chain.", International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management, Vol. 30, No 12, 2002, pp. 603-605.