Authors: Melnyk, Steven¹; Lummus, Rhonda²; Vokurka, Robert³; Burns, Laird¹; Sandor, Joe¹

Source: International Journal of Production Research, Volume 47, Number 16, January 2009 , pp. 4629-4653(25)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

Abstract:

Supply chain management, a field that developed from business practice and research, is undergoing a major transformation. It is changing from tactical in nature (where the major focus is on cost and delivery) to a field that is strategic in nature. However, the future issues and challenges facing managers and executives are just now becoming understood. This paper reports these issues by drawing on the findings generated by a three-phase study consisting of a literature review, a two-round Delphi study, and a workshop. Unique in this Delphi study is that it brings together leading practitioners in supply chain management with leading supply chain management researchers. The findings show that while the focus of the current tactical supply chain view is relatively limited to issues of delivery, risk, and leadership, the supply chain view of the future (i.e., five years from now) is more complex and demanding. The findings also show that there is generally no difference between researchers and practitioners in terms of how they view the issues. Finally, the study uncovers major obstacles that must be resolved before the strategic potential of future-state supply chains can be realised.

Keywords: supply chain management; Delphi study; strategic supply chain; future of supply chain management

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207540802014700

Affiliations: 1: Department of Supply Chain Management, The Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA 2: College of Business, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA 3: College of Business, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA

Publication date: 2009-01-01

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