A conceptual framework to analyse supply chain designs

Abstract

Objectives: Supply chain design (SCD) is a concept that forms an integral part of supply chain management (SCM). Effective SCD enhances supply chain integration (SCI) which in turn contributes towards improved supply chain performance. Therefore, organisations' supply chain designs need to be analysed. This article proposes a conceptual framework to analyse organisations' supply chain designs. The objective of this article is to determine whether the proposed conceptual framework is a workable instrument with which organisations can analyse their supply chain designs.

Problem investigated: Effective SCD is a complex and demanding undertaking and has become a major challenge for organisations. Moreover, the literature suggests that organisations allow their supply chains to evolve rather than consciously designing them. Although the importance of SCD is emphasised, very little attention is given to what it entails exactly. The problem statement of this article is thus: What are the elements of SCD and how can these elements be included in a conceptual framework to analyse organisations' supply chain designs?

Methodology: The methodology used in this article comprised two phases. Firstly, a literature review was conducted to identify SCD elements. The elements were used to develop a conceptual framework with which organisations can analyse their supply chain designs. Secondly, the conceptual framework was tested in 13 organisations to determine whether it is a workable instrument to analyse supply chain designs. The respondents were selected by means of non-probability sampling. Purposive, judgmental and convenience sampling methods were used to select the sample.

Findings and implications: As mentioned, the conceptual framework was tested empirically within 13 organisations. The findings show that the conceptual framework is in fact a workable instrument to analyse supply chain designs.

Value of the research: The research will make a contribution in the field of supply chain management and more specifically in the field of supply chain design. As mentioned, very little attention is given to the specifics of SCD. This article provides a more structured approach to analysing supply chain designs.

Conclusion: SCD forms an important part of SCM and may play a role in improving performance. The conceptual framework proposed in this article will assist organisations with the analysis of their supply chain designs, which in turn may highlight potential areas in their supply chains where there may be room for improving their SCD practices.