Complementary theories to supply chain management
Open Access
- 26 June 2007
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Emerald in Supply Chain Management: An International Journal
- Vol. 12 (4), 284-296
- https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540710759808
Abstract
Purpose – The paper seeks to discuss and develop SCM as a scientific discipline using different theories from non-logistics areas to explain inter-organizational phenomena. It also attempts to establish a frame of reference that allows us to mitigate the gap between the current SCM research and practice and the theoretical explanations of how to structure and manage supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces three different perspectives that together will contribute to a broader understanding of SCM in practice: an economic perspective; a socio-economic perspective; and a strategic perspective. The theoretical framework is applied to two important research topics within SCM: third party logistics (TPL); and new product development (NPD). Findings – There is no such thing as “a unified theory of SCM”. Depending on the concrete situation, one can choose one theory as the dominant explanatory theory, and then complement it with one or several of the other theoretical perspectives. Research limitations/implications – The way the four theories complement one another is explored on a conceptual basis, but further research into this direction may explore more deeply how these alleged complementarities occur in practice, and how managers mould their decisions by these ideas. Practical implications – The four theories can provide normative support to important management decisions in supply chains, such as outsourcing, safeguards against opportunism, and alignment of incentives. Originality/value – The main contribution is that one cannot rely on one theoretical explanation when analyzing phenomena in SCM. It is neccessary to consider several theories and how they may complement one another in order to provide a more comprehensive view of SCM.Keywords
This publication has 108 references indexed in Scilit:
- Logistics versus supply chain management: An international surveyInternational Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 2004
- The intersection of strategic management and supply chain managementIndustrial Marketing Management, 2004
- Strategic development of third party logistics providersIndustrial Marketing Management, 2003
- Supply Chains and Power Regimes: Toward an Analytic Framework for Managing Extended Networks of Buyer and Supplier RelationshipsJournal of Supply Chain Management, 2001
- Supply chain management: an analytical framework for critical literature reviewEuropean Journal of Purchasing & Supply Management, 2000
- New Managerial Challenges from Supply Chain OpportunitiesIndustrial Marketing Management, 2000
- Impacts of supplier–buyer relationships on modularization in new product developmentEuropean Journal of Purchasing & Supply Management, 1999
- Learning in NetworksIndustrial Marketing Management, 1999
- Risky business or competitive power? supplier involvement in Japanese product designJournal of Product Innovation Management, 1997
- Success Factors for Integrating Suppliers into New Product DevelopmentJournal of Product Innovation Management, 1997