Supply Chain Management: Interlinking Multiple Research Streams

Abstract

This chapter represents a view of the evolution of the supply chainliterature from a wide range of perspectives including operationsmanagement, logistics, purchasing, and information technologies. First,a chronological view of the field is presented. Next, eleven majorresearch streams are summarized.The streams are:(1) inventories,(2) global supply logistics,(3) buyer/supplier dyads,(4) communication and the Internet,(5) lean supply chains,(6) process analysis,(7) power,(8) mass customization,(9) alliances,(10) market structures, and(11) environmental life cycle.Conceptual models are provided to depict the influence of industry.Diagrams depicting interfaces among stakeholders in the aircraft,marine, and construction industries provide examples of more complexrelationships as contrasted with the typical linear models of a retailindustry. In summarizing similarities and differences among researchstreams, primary and secondary emphasis on seven areas of research areprovided for each of the streams. Finally, four categories oforganizational supply chain maturity are suggested. Progressive maturitylevels are pretender, follower, thinker, and industry leader.