Reconceptualizing supply chain flows (SCFLOWS)
The International Journal of Logistics Management
ISSN: 0957-4093
Article publication date: 12 November 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Despite being a fundamental concept, the field of supply chain management (SCM) exhibits a significant lack of consensus regarding the definition of supply chain flows (SCFLOWS). Additionally, there has been an over-reliance on three flows – material, information and finance – while various other flows crucial to SCM performance have been overlooked. Hence, the purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to explore the multi-dimensional nature of SCFLOWS and (2) to identify additional flows beyond the commonly acknowledged ones that are vital for SCM performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs various qualitative methods as part of the abduction process. The methods include in-depth interviews with logistics professionals, a Delphi study involving SCM scholars and a focus group comprising airline industry practitioners.
Findings
Seven SCFLOWS dimensions are identified and presented as SCFLOWS framework. Also, two additional flows, i.e. human and capital equipment, are proposed as vital to SCM performance.
Originality/value
This is the first study to introduce SCFLOWS framework to achieve consensus in the field. By introducing two additional flows, it proposes extending the SCFLOWS boundary to include various flows overlooked previously but pertinent to SCM performance. The SCFLOWS framework serves as a systematic guide to validate additional flows and represents an important step towards building SCM theory.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors sincerely thank Dr. Martin Dresner (University of Maryland) and Derek Dubois (University of Rhode Island) for their valuable feedback. Special acknowledgment is extended to the late Dr. Andrew H. Van de Ven (University of Minnesota) for inspiring the adoption of the engaged scholarship approach. The authors are also grateful to all study participants, including those in the Delphi study, interviews, and focus groups, whose contributions were essential to this research.
Citation
Ashraf, M.H., Yalcin, M.G. and Hos, R. (2024), "Reconceptualizing supply chain flows (SCFLOWS)", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-03-2024-0180
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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