Deployment of Interpretive Structural Modelling Methodology in Supply Chain Management –An overview

Abstract Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to review a sample of the literature relating to Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and its deployment for modelling purposes in the area of supply chain management (SCM). Design/methodology/approach- The literature is examined from the three perspectives. First, concept of ISM and examines ISM as modelling technique. Second, use of ISM by the various researchers in their research for modelling. Third, use of ISM for modelling in the area of supply chain management. Findings- ISM is a systematic application of some elementary graph theory in such a way that theoretical, conceptual and computational advantage are exploited to explain the complex pattern of conceptual relations among the variables. From the literature review, we can conclude that many researchers have used ISM for modelling the variables of: reverse logistics, vendor managed inventory, IT enabled supply chain management etc. Research limitation/implications-The scope of this literature review is by design limited to ISM and it does not cover in investigating other modelling techniques. Literature review investigates sample of important and influential work in the area of application of ISM in the research. Originality/Value-This study reviews a sample of recent and classic literature in this field and in doing so this paper provides some comprehensive base and clear guidance to researchers in developing, defining and presenting their research agenda for applying ISM methodology in a systematic and convincing manner. Key words: Interpretive Structural Modelling, SCI, SMEs, SCM