Summary AbstractBorrowing from complementary theories has become an important part of theorizing SCM. We build upon principal-agent theory (PAT), transaction cost analysis (TCA), network theory (NT), and resource-based view (RBV) to provide insights on how to structure a supply chain and manage it. Through extensive literature review, we identified 76 articles of which a content analysis was performed on their appropriateness for PAT, TCA, NT and RBV. Our findings suggest that the integrative and multi-layered nature of SCM sets the conditions for "theorizing SCM" that can take place through various forms: theory application, new theoretical combinations and sensitivity to managerial practice. Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Theories, Theorization PurposeSupply chain management has emerged as a profession as well as concept that is concerned with complex problems within and across the boundaries of the firm. An initial step in that development is the inter-organizational perspective it offers to traditional issues such as logistics, operations management and purchasing. Another milestone in the development is to enhance the explanatory power and problem solving capacity of the concept by borrowing from other fields such as strategic management and economics.We view the supply chain is as a special form of an organization (i.e. borderless firm or an extended enterprise) where the problems that may arise often are associated with organizational and strategic matters (Halldórsson et al., 2007). Thereby, we argue that managerial principles of SCM must be built on a solid theoretical background that survives contemporary trends and buzzwords, and that allows users of theory (managers, students and researchers) to continuously advance their skills. In order to better understand as well as to reflect, we propose theories from fields such as economics, organization and strategic management, which are powerful enough to better understand the nature and dynamics of supply chain related problems.
Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to develop the paradigmatic justification for the use of case studies in logistics research. The argument is based on a critical realist (CR) ontology and epistemology. The current logistics paradigm's flat ontology -based on regularity -is replaced by an ontology emphasising structures and mechanisms underlying actual events in the form of logistics practice and performance. Design/methodology/approach -The approach takes the form of desk research, conceptual work and theorizing. Findings -Based on this CR view of the logistics domain it is argued that the justifications for conducting case studies lie in their ability: to reach the causal depth required for revealing the real domain of logistics activities and performance: to reveal the working of mechanisms in loosely coupled structures showing open systems characteristics through a constant alternation between abstract and concrete reasoning and; to include the causal powers and effects of agents' ascribed meanings. Also, it is argued, in contrast with Yin's work which refers to the possibility of generalising case studies, that the justification of case studies not only must refer to their complementary role in research but also must build on groundings that allow this form of research to take a primary role in knowledge creation. Practical implications -The arguments have direct implications primarily for the scientific justification for case studies in logistics. CR thinking in this respect offers a view in which case studies should be seen as a more legitimate method in logistics inquiries. Second, the paper has implications for further work on the methods of using case studies in logistics: between what types of case studies can one distinguish, and which practical guidelines regarding design and reasoning can be developed based on the CR view? Originality/value -The paper problematizes current research methodology in logistics. Based on critical realism, it presents a thorough and systematic justification for using case studies as a research approach.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.