Agile Supply Chain Management Theories, Empirical Data, and Future Directions

Aim/Purpose. This is a literature review that defines agile supply chain management (ASCM), discusses several competing theories (particularly ones with some empirical evidence), their research limitations (e.g., cultural and industry homogeneity), future directions for would add to the field’s body of knowledge. Background. Agile (ASCM) relatively recent phenomenon, most academic articles published between 2001 present. However, ASCM quite fragmented, no dominant theory. Both private benefit from heterogenous (i.e., multi-site, multi-industry) study in U.S. In this context, forward-looking topics are considered as business “problems practice”, including: 1) elaborating on existing rating instruments; 2) generating data support Zhu et al.’s (2022) EDGE framework. The challenges managers assessing agility firm’s deciding theoretically based action plan making targeted improvements. Methodology. was limited refereed journals does not include popular journals, unpublished dissertations, etc.), yielding approximately 30 topic-relevant papers. three-step methodology comprehensive material search, descriptive analysis classification, theoretical content analysis) attempts replicate Shashi al. (2020). Contribution. paper examines its key paradigms, including Christopher’s (2000) three-dimensional model achieving agility, Lee’s (2004) Triple-A framework, Lin (2006) “route agility” drivers-capabilities-goals model. It then respective well homogeneity). Finally, it reviews germane tools developed assess appropriateness an approach industry. effort groups into major support, identifies instruments gauge organization’s level chain, proposes potential lines help practitioner improve chain. Findings. Recommendations Practitioners. Researchers. Here possibilities going forward: • Replicate Balaji (2015) TADS more culturally industrially diverse sample. terms theory, instrument has link notion SC index. original pilot used small Indian steel For example, sample 10 25 U.S.-based Institute Supply Management (ISM) member companies might be used. Another variation varying intervention intended firm's agility. Operationalize Hofman Cecere (2005) proposed portfolio metrics dimensions speed, predictability, ease, quality. all likelihood, series studies development scale items, questionnaire administration appropriate sample, factor evaluate item conceptual loadings. Here, ostensibly part advancing inherent next step reliability validity study. Conduct correlational examine further relationship customer satisfaction. Such roots previous work Jawahar (2020), Kisperska-Moron Swierczek (2009), Power (2001). Advance al.'s enablers, suppliers, goals, expertise) framework by doing firms whose SCs blockchain Internet Things (IoT) capable. authors themselves suggest yet exists Similarly, conduct provide Bamakan (2021) six-layer evaluation system service performance blockchain-IoT-big Impact Society. Despite perspectives, there available sup-ply Future Research. author recommends taking direction suggested (2022), one examining chains IoT