Supply chain management 2010 and beyond

Supply chain management (SCM) is now a fact of life. It is also a dynamic entity that is constantly changing and evolving in response to changes in technology, competitive actions, and customer demands. Supply chain managers recognize that their role has moved from being tactical to being strategic. This “new” supply chain is characterized by three major traits: (1) it is strategic; (2) it is dynamic; and, (3) it is customer-driven. It is strategic as it enhances the ability of a firm to develop and maintain strategic advantages in a competitive market. It is dynamic in that it is constantly evolving as a result of strategic changes in the firm, competitive actions, changes in technology, and shifts in customer needs. It is customer-driven as supply chains must focus on value propositions that are highly attractive to customers. The supply network that serves these customers must be optimized and react to supply uncertainties and demand variability.

New paradigms in supply chain management must evolve that guide new management strategies, identify new research agendas, and lead to dissemination of new knowledge to supply chain employees. To understand these new agendas, a two-part initiative was undertaken through a joint project with Michigan State University and the APICS Educational and Research Foundation. This summary provides a report of the major findings from the project.

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Supply chain management 2010 and beyond  (637KB)

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