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A balanced approach to building agile supply chains

H.S. Ismail (The University of Liverpool Management School, Liverpool, UK)
H. Sharifi (The University of Liverpool Management School, Liverpool, UK)

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

ISSN: 0960-0035

Article publication date: 1 July 2006

7381

Abstract

Purpose

Parallel developments in the areas of agile systems and manufacturing, and supply chain management led to the introduction of the agile supply chains (ASC) concept. How to achieve agility in supply chain is, however, a subject of question and research. This paper proposes a framework for the development of ASC that is based on the integration of existing supply chain analysis and development models and techniques with those of the supply chain design (SCD) and also the design for the supply chain (DfSC).

Design/methodology/approach

The framework mainly relies on research previously carried out by the authors in the areas of developing agile manufacturing and systems and models for demand network alignment. An extensive literature survey is carried out to support the ideas and derive the constructs of the conceptual model as a basis for further empirical research.

Findings

The model suggest that responding proactively to the market and business environment changes, agility, can be facilitated by simultaneous development of supply chain and the output/product of the chain. The concept of DfSC, built on the success of existing “design for X” techniques, would increase the reactive and proactive capabilities of organisations.

Originality/value

The research provides a theoretical ground for achieving ASC which facilitates reconciliation between two usually separately approaches of SCD and DfSC, as well as suggesting practical solutions for developing agility in supply chains. This view can make the ASC concept understandable and practical, and open a new way of viewing the subject in research circles.

Keywords

Citation

Ismail, H.S. and Sharifi, H. (2006), "A balanced approach to building agile supply chains", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 36 No. 6, pp. 431-444. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030610677384

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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