On the Nature of Supply Chain Management Projects and How to Manage them

This paper explores the nature of complexity in Supply Chain Management (SCM) projects. We find three aspects to be critical in SCM projects: SCM business processes, information systems, and organizations (internal and external). We also argue that in essence, SCM projects are complex, demonstrating structural complexity, uncertainty, and interdependence between elements, all in a unique context. With this analysis in mind, we look at how established project management methodologies are suited to manage SCM projects. Correspondingly, we investigate the nature of agile project management methods and look at whether these are suitable in an SCM context. Secondary data on previous large-scale SCM projects are used to illustrate the nature of complexity in these projects and whether this could have had an effect on the outcome of the project.