Practical relevance of theory-driven supply chain management research: Evidence from China
The International Journal of Logistics Management
ISSN: 0957-4093
Article publication date: 15 November 2018
Issue publication date: 12 February 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which theory-driven supply chain management (SCM) research is of practical relevance. It does this on the basis of empirical research in China.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-pronged approach was adopted. First, 57 theory-driven SCM studies based in China published in ten leading journals between 2006 and 2015 were surveyed. Second, a questionnaire survey of Chinese managers identified their practical concerns and assessed their alignment with the content of the academic papers.
Findings
Some academic research on SCM does probe industry-relevant problems. From an academic perspective, this confirms that theory-driven SCM research can be of practical value. Overall, however, the survey found that much of the SCM research works do not translate into actionable knowledge for practitioners. Academic research in this field could pursue a more pragmatic path and enhance its practical utility. Two critical components of this path, “practical observation” and “practical verification,” are highlighted.
Research limitations/implications
As the literature review was confined to ten leading journals, relevant papers in other journals were possibly excluded. The research was confined to China and so the results are not necessarily generalizable to other countries.
Practical implications
Chinese academics and practitioners could collaborate in defining research agendas and directions. This would help researchers direct their theory building to issues of relevance to business.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relevance of theory-driven SCM research from academic and practitioner perspectives in China. It shows how this research might have greater impact on business practice.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study is being supported by a Grant from National Social Science Foundation of China (No. 15BGL002). The authors would like to express their sincere appreciation to the reviewers and the editor for their valuable comments and suggestions on improving the paper.
Citation
Liu, X. and McKinnon, A.C. (2019), "Practical relevance of theory-driven supply chain management research: Evidence from China", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 76-95. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-12-2017-0337
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited