Investigating the interaction of factors for implementing additive manufacturing to build an antifragile supply chain: TISM-MICMAC approach

Abstract

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has come across as an exogenous shock to the firms and their supply chains. It has led firms to rethink and rework their existing robust and resilient supply chains. The purpose of this study is to move beyond robustness and resilience and shift to an antifragile supply chain that sees disorder as an opportunity to learn and grow. In this study, various factors to attain an antifragile supply chain have been identified through literature review and experts’ opinions. Using TISM-MICMAC, structural relationships among these factors have been developed, and, then the factors have been classified as drivers or dependents. The study reveals the importance of having proactive top management as a major driving power to build an antifragile supply chain. Development of a strategy for collaboration and innovation, development of a skilled workforce for technology adoption, and resource allocation for digitalization are some other factors with strong driving power. The novelty of the study lies in its effort to drive the attention of researchers and practitioners towards thinking beyond robustness and resilience and shifting towards antifragility. The study will help firms in strategic decision-making for the adoption of additive manufacturing technology to develop antifragility in the supply chain and save itself from negative consequences in the face of disruption.