Impact of financial risk on supply chains: a manufacturer-supplier relational perspective

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the manufacturer-supplier relational perspective under the influence of exogenous financial risk. Following corporate finance theory, a multi-objective decision model for supplier selection and order allocation is developed to maximise the total profit of the manufacturer, and minimise the implicit equity stake and financial risk faced by selected suppliers. A two-echelon supply chain is explored under the influence of foreign exchange risk, default risk, market risk and price fluctuation risk, and solved using an NSGA-III algorithm. Three case scenarios are analysed to explore the influence of a set of financial risk on the manufacturer-supplier relationship and the behaviour of suppliers concerning risk profile, both in the short and long-term horizon. The results are analysed from both the manufacturer as well as supplier perspective, and the optimal conditions are discussed under the cascading risk circumstances. The study provides multiple insights into the impact of financial risk on supply chain relationship and will be valuable for dealing with similar uncertain economic environment. The research is likely to be of benefit beyond supply chain managers, like investors and financial risk managers in making informed decisions. The need to focus on systemic risk in supply chains is evident from the study.