Over the last decade, organizations and researchers have been looking at and evaluating the entire supply chain network in hopes of being able to predict future trends within the industry. As such,(Giunipero, Hooker, Joseph-Matthews, Yoon, & Brudvig, 2008) are part of those researchers that have chosen to evaluate past literature in hopes of determining what future development(s) may occur within the network. In fact, in their latest study they offer readers an extensive review of 405 articles, focused around current and/or existing trends along with the identification of any gaps in the literature. From this analysis, the authors hoped too later conceptualize the most studied categories, along with the identification of any relationships or links for later researchers to expand upon.
From the research Giunipero, et al. (2008) were able to identify a five year peek period from 2002-2006 that contained the most frameworks, challenges, and trends within the supply chain. From these identified frameworks, challenges, and trends the authors were then able to draw a correlation between two other variables (1) information technology and (2) e-commerce. It is this correlation between the (frameworks, challenges, and trends) and (information technology and e-commerce) that then becomes that much more important in helping solve global supply chain issues heading into the future.
Additionally, the conducted research also offered Giunipero, et al. (2008) a historical analysis of some of the shortcomings within the evolution of the supply chain network. The identified shortcomings or “gaps” and recommendation(s) for future studies fell into the following five categories
(1) Most of the reviewed research sample sizes were too small- the authors were able to determine that most of the studies had small sample size(s) and recommend that future studies examine multi-tier relationships, which then will increase future sample sizes.
(2) Most of the research studies were one-tie investigations- like small sample sizes, one-tier investigations between multiple suppliers, was not completely addressed, which means that future studies could place additional emphasis on examining internal and external multi-tier relationships to fully understand supply chain efficiencies and inefficiencies.
(3) There were limited methodologies used- several of the evaluated studies limited their data analysis through qualitative research and non-descriptive analysis, when perhaps a more practical approach would have been to use multiple regression or ANOVA, thus the authors recommend quantitative studies in future research.
(4) There was a lack of longitudinal research studies- several of the studies were conducted at a specific point in time, where it might have been more beneficial to spread the research out over different industries. The authors noted that although this type of research was more expensive it could help develop megatrends throughout the supply chain.
(5) Most of the studies were limited in International reach- upon review the authors were able to determine that most authors lacked the element of globalization. As companies in different countries continue to operate with one another this area will be one of the major avenues for future supply chain studies.
Giunipero, et al. (2008) extensive review of literature combined with several conceptual maps and a study showed several potential relationships that might exist between different variables throughout the supply chain network, which are invaluable for those researchers interested in this subject matter. In addition, Giunipero, et al. (2008) were able to clearly point out in this article any “gaps” in the literature and give recommendations and advice for the identification of feature trends, research, and analysis, which are of particular interest to me in my continued analysis of the supply chain and technological systems. Of which, several possible combinations and correlations were identified that would help contribute to additional work of past-future frameworks, challenges, and trends along with the continued advancement of information technology with e-commerce (some of the same variables of interest for my Dissertation). Finally, Giunipero, et al. (2008) stated that this topic should continue to “receive increased attention from academics” now and later, as information technology and e-commerce continue to revolutionize the supply chain. This is exactly the type of opinion; I seek, as I continue to examine the supply chain, along with other technological systems (i.e. CRM, ERP, etc) that I have/am continuing to report on in my BLOG, as well as in my other Doctoral work.
This is my first report on SCM but a very important one as CRM, ERP, and other information technology systems are key drivers in long-term growth and management of the supply chain. Of course, I am always seeking other opinions and advice, so if you got any, please drop me a line and let me know your thoughts, until then keep smiling.
Reference
Giunipero, L. C., Hooker, R. E., Joseph-Matthews, S., Yoon, T. E., & Brudvig, S. (2008). A decade of SCM literature: Past, present, and future implications. Journal of Supply Chain Management: A Global Review of Purchasing & Supply, 44(4), 66-86.
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