A conceptual model of supply chain flexibility

TLDR

Research on flexibility has largely focused on intra‑firm concerns, yet supply‑chain strategies must extend beyond firm boundaries. The study develops an integrated conceptual model of cross‑enterprise supply‑chain flexibility and highlights the need for improved measures and future research. The authors analyze existing flexibility classification schemes and typologies to establish a theoretical foundation for assessing supply‑chain flexibility components.

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated conceptual model of supply chain flexibility. It examines flexibility classification schemes and the commonalities of flexibility typologies published in the literature to create a theoretical foundation for analyzing the components of supply chain flexibility. Even though there has been a tremendous amount of research on the topic of flexibility, most of it has been confined to intra‐firm flexibility concerns. As supply chain management goes beyond a firm’s boundaries, the flexibility strategies must also extend beyond the firm. This paper identifies the cross‐enterprise nature of supply chain flexibility and the need to improve flexibility measures across firms. Opportunities are identified for future cross‐functional research that builds on this theoretical foundation and leads to more effective formulation of supply chain strategies.